Angina Pectoris Why Differentiating the Type is so Important – MM1704
Angina can be classified by type, taking into account the pathogenesis and clinical features in each patient and thus
guiding management or for predominantly exertional angina, thus indicating the urgency for treatment. The diagnosis
of angina is mainly clinical; investigations are available to confirm the diagnosis but should be used only if the history
is not clear-cut. Although routine exercise stress testing rarely provides information on the presence of serious
coronary disease, exercise perfusion imaging with various radionuclides yields more reliable data. It is vital not to miss
a diagnosis of unstable angina because of the associated risk of the development of infarction. Disorders of coronary
vasomotor tone producing angina are often misdiagnosed as noncardiac chest pain.
Modern Medicine – April 2017
