[Therapy of angina pectoris. A task of everyday practice]

The current state of the medicamentous treatment of angina pectoris is presented as a standardized programmed guideline for general practice: 1. Prequisite for proper initial therapy is an exact diagnosis of a true stenocardia. 2. The intermediate treatment of coronary heart disease aimed at an effective lasting prophylaxis of angina pectoris attacks is based on a combined therapy with nitrates and beta-blockers. The mode of action of nitrates and beta-blockers is mentioned, side effects and contraindications are presented as limiting factors. The effects of nitrates, beta-blockers, and so-called vasodilators are exemplified by the new coronary drugs Sensit, Adalat and Pexid. After corresponding spot testing and clinical trials in 150 ambulant patients, Sensit is considered especially suited for wide application in the general practice. In the majority of patients there was a convincingly positive effect on general performance. The exertion tolerance increased by an average of 25 watts. Frequency, duration, and severity of stenocardic attacks are reliably influenced. In 68% of the patients, a remarkable regression and even sometimes a complete compensation of pathological ECG changes are achieved. The first results are seen approximately 2 weeks after commencing therapy, the maximum after 4 to 6 weeks. This improvement could be maintained by continuing regular medication, especially as the drug showed an astonishingly low incidence of side effects.