Management of high-risk subsets in unstable angina

C Tung1, D Sauri, D Fintel

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Northwestern University, McGaw Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA.

Cardiology Clinics
|June 29, 1999
PubMed

Insights

This article reviews optimal treatment for refractory angina post-heart attack, emphasizing an aggressive early strategy including coronary angiography and revascularization. It highlights the role of glycoprotein IIb-IIIa antagonists in managing unstable angina.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Clinical Trials
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Postinfarction, refractory, or recurrent angina requires optimal treatment strategies.
  • Unstable angina management necessitates special considerations for high-risk patient subsets.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the optimal treatment for postinfarction, refractory, or recurrent angina.
  • To emphasize special considerations for high-risk subsets within unstable angina management.
  • To highlight the role of emerging therapies like glycoprotein IIb-IIIa antagonists.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent clinical trials.
  • Analysis of acute medical management strategies.
  • Emphasis on early coronary angiography and revascularization.

Main Results:

  • An early aggressive strategy involving coronary angiography and revascularization is recommended for high-risk subsets.
  • Platelet inhibition, particularly with glycoprotein IIb-IIIa antagonists, plays a crucial role in managing unstable angina.

Conclusions:

  • Optimal treatment for refractory angina involves an aggressive, early interventional approach.
  • Glycoprotein IIb-IIIa antagonists represent a significant advancement in managing unstable angina due to their effect on platelet aggregation.

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