Both medical therapy alone (lifestyle changes and taking medicines) and angioplasty plus medical therapy can relieve stable angina. Angioplasty improves angina sooner. But over time, both treatments may work the same to ease symptoms and improve quality of life.

This information is from one research study.

After 3 months: Out of 100 of people who had angioplasty plus medical therapy, 53 had no or fewer angina symptoms. That means 47 out of 100 had symptoms. Out of 100 people who had medical therapy alone, 42 had no or fewer symptoms. That means 58 out of 100 did have symptoms.

After 2 years: Out of 100 people who had the procedure and medical therapy, 59 had no or fewer symptoms. That means 41 out of 100 had symptoms. Out of 100 people who had medical therapy alone, 53 had no or fewer symptoms. That means 47 out of 100 had symptoms.

After 3 years: Out of 100 people who had the procedure and medical therapy, 59 had no or fewer symptoms. That means 41 out of 100 had symptoms. Out of 100 people who had medical therapy alone, 56 had no or fewer symptoms. That means 44 out of 100 had symptoms.