Medical therapy of unstable angina pectoris.
The pathophysiologic mechanisms responsible for the clinical syndrome known as unstable angina pectoris are complex but provide a framework for a rational medical approach to this ischemic condition. The combined use of nitrates, beta-blockers, calcium antagonists, antiplatelet agents, and anticoagulants has been shown to reduce recurrent ischemia, and the latter therapies have reduced the incidence of progression to myocardial infarction and death. A rational risk stratification scheme, which utilizes the presenting symptoms, electrocardiographic, and anatomic information to identify patients for whom additional revascularization procedures are warranted, is presented.
Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland.
S O
SO
Gottlieb
J T
JT
Flaherty
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000789:Angina, Unstable / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009566:Nitrates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015996:Survival Rate
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D009566:Nitrates; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors