[Results of prospective studies of patients with unstable angina pectoris treated by conservative methods]

The results of perspective follow-up (in the duration of 19 months) of 92 patients with unstable angina pectoris treated by nonoperative methods are discussed. During hospital stay all patients received propranolol (inderal) in a mean dose of 240mg daily and preparations of depo-nitroglycerin. In most patients the treatment was conductive to marked clinical improvement in their condition. In a follow-up period of one month myocardial infarction developed in 6.7% of patients, mortality was 3.4%. It is concluded that the syndrome of unstable angina pectoris, although associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction developing, is not an "incurable" condition. The use of nitroglycerin and adrenergic beta-blocking agents provides for the stabilization of the condition of most patients.