Treatment of angina: a commentary on new therapeutic approaches
Department of Cardiac Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Dovehouse Street, London SW3 6LY, UK
* Corresponding author. Tel: +44 20 7351 8179; fax: +44 20 7351 8113. E-mail address: p.poole-wilson{at}imperial.ac.uk
Medical treatment of angina has changed little in recent years, with nitrates, beta-blockers, and calcium antagonists being used to control symptoms and aspirin and statins to improve prognosis. However, data on long-term outcomes with these drugs are scarce, and it is clear that the treatment of angina pectoris with current drugs or with invasive interventions does not resolve the clinical problem of continuing symptoms of angina. Several new agents, with innovative mechanisms of action, are now becoming available, making this an area of considerable medical interest.
Key Words: Angina Ischaemic heart disease Drug treatment Symptoms Outcomes