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[Normal coronary angiography. Survival and functional status at 6 years]
L Christiaens1, J Allal, I Martin Landragin
1Département de cardiologie, centre hospitalo-universitaire de Poitiers, hôpital La Milétrie 350, avenue Jacques-Coeur, 86021 Poitiers.
Archives Des Maladies Du Coeur Et Des Vaisseaux
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Patients with angina and normal coronary angiography have good survival rates over 6 years. However, many experience persistent symptoms, highlighting a gap between anatomical findings and patient-reported functional status.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Coronary angiography reveals no significant coronary stenosis in 10-30% of patients with angina symptoms.
- Non-invasive diagnostic techniques have limitations in definitively excluding coronary artery disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term survival and functional status of patients with angina but without significant coronary stenosis.
- To assess the clinical outcomes and management of this patient cohort over a 6-year follow-up period.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study of 172 consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography for angina symptoms.
- Analysis of survival data, symptom persistence, treatment strategies, and hospital admissions over an average follow-up of 75.6 months.
Main Results:
- Overall 6-year mortality was 11%, with a lower rate in women (8.5%) than men (13.3%).
- Cardiac causes accounted for one-third of deaths; sudden death occurred in 4 patients.
- 58% of patients reported persistent symptoms, primarily atypical chest pain, despite normal angiography.
- No myocardial infarction occurred; 22% required cardiology admissions during follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Survival and myocardial function are generally good in patients with normal coronary angiography despite angina.
- Persistent symptoms and significant healthcare utilization underscore a disconnect between anatomical findings and patient well-being.
- Further research is needed to understand and manage the persistent symptoms in this population.