Unstable angina

Preview

The terms previously used for unstable angina—preinfarction angina and acute coronary insufficiency—describe its potential seriousness. Sometimes, clinical presentation reflects this gravity, but at other times, symptoms are subtle or nearly absent. Thus, physician awareness is important in recognition of the condition. The authors summarize diagnosis and how to accomplish the goals of therapy, which include relief of symptoms and prevention of ischemia, thrombosis, and arrhythmia, through pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic means.