ABSTRACT
Angina pectoris is a common symptom, usually reflecting obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). As the location and extent of the coronary disease, along with the quality of left ventricular (LV) function, determine prognosis it is important to make an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible. Management is designed not only to relieve symptoms and thereby improve the quality of life, but also, by appropriately timed non-invasive and invasive investigations, to identify those at most risk so that we can select optimal therapy which will also lengthen life. The aims of treatment are therefore:
• to reduce or abolish symptoms thereby improving quality of life • to improve prognosis by preventing myocardial infarction and death • preferably both of the above
This handbook is meant to be practical and to help answer the following questions:
• is it angina? • how should I treat it? • who should be referred? • what tests are needed and when? • what is the place of drugs, angioplasty and surgery?
