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.
Gottlieb
S O
SO
Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland.
Flaherty
J T
JT
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