Unstable angina requires aspirin and beta blockers and stronger blood thinners (heparin) while preparations are being made to look directly at the coronary arteries with an angiogram. Based on the location of any blockage(s) found on the angiogram, angioplasty or bypass surgery may be performed. Angioplasty can be done along with the angiogram and involves passing a small balloon across the blockage and inflating it; most of the time the blockage will then stay open. In addition, a small wire-mesh tube, called a stent, may be left behind within the blockage to minimize the chance of it reclosing. Angioplasty, angioplasty with stenting, or bypass surgery may also be performed electively for people with stable angina.

When a patient is in the throes of a heart attack, time is of the essence. The strongest blood thinners available – thrombolytics like TPA and related medications – those that will rapidly dissolve a blood clot, are utilized. Other helpful medications include aspirin, beta blockers, heparin and ACE inhibitors. Angioplasty and stenting may be used instead of thrombolytics or if thrombolytics fail. Bypass surgery may be performed in certain situations as well.