This book is intended for general cardiologists and other physicians involved in the care of
patients with chronic stable angina (CSA). The goal of this book is to update clinicians on
recent data on the medical management of patients with CSA. Ischemic heart disease remains a
major public health problem. Chronic stable angina is the initial manifestation of ischemic
heart disease in approximately one half of patients. Stable coronary artery disease is
generally characterized by episodes of reversible myocardial demand supply mismatch related to
ischaemia or hypoxia which are usually inducible by exercise emotion or other stress and
reproducible-but which may also be occurring spontaneously. Such episodes of ischaemia hypoxia
are commonly associated with transient chest discomfort (angina pectoris). The aim of the
management of CSA is to reduce symptoms and improve prognosis. The management of these patients
encompasses lifestyle modification control of coronary artery disease risk factors
evidence-based pharmacological therapy and patient education. All patients with stable angina
should be offered optimal medical treatment defined as one or two anti-anginal drugs as
necessary plus drugs for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Regarding the role of
revascularization randomised trials provide compelling evidence that myocardial
revascularisation by coronary artery bypass grafting or by percutaneous coronary intervention
improves symptoms of angina relative to continued medical treatment.
