ABSTRACT
The management of angina must take into account both the ‘quality’ and ‘quantity’ of life. We need to make people not only feel better but also live longer. Since stable angina overall has a good prognosis, whatever management is employed, with an annual mortality and non-fatal infarction rate of 2-3% there is time to organize treatment and investigations. Treatment should be initiated in all patients in general practice. The patient and family need to understand the nature of the problem, what caused it and what can be done to prevent it worsening. Fortunately, most patients benefit from medical therapy but they need to be encouraged to make a major contribution to their own care by correcting any elements of their lifestyle that have contributed to their problem. There is no substitute for a clear personal approach but educational booklets and the internet do provide useful additional information and are always available for reference.
