Treatment of refractory angina

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Mark A Grise1, Anil Verma

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA.

Ochsner Journal
|May 24, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Refractory angina affects 1 million Americans, causing debilitating symptoms despite standard treatments. This review explores emerging therapies for this challenging coronary artery disease patient group.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Regenerative Medicine

Background:

  • Chronic symptomatic coronary artery disease, or refractory angina, impacts approximately 1,000,000 individuals in the U.S.
  • These patients experience persistent, lifestyle-limiting symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath.
  • Their condition is often resistant to established medical treatments and unsuitable for conventional revascularization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current therapeutic landscape for patients with refractory angina.
  • To highlight novel treatment options for this difficult-to-manage patient population.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent advancements in refractory angina treatment.
  • Synthesis of information on emerging drugs, enhanced external counterpulsation, transmyocardial revascularization, and cell-based therapies.

Main Results:

  • Several new therapeutic avenues are emerging for refractory angina.
  • These include pharmacological advancements, mechanical circulatory support, and innovative regenerative approaches.

Conclusions:

  • The management of refractory angina is evolving with the introduction of new treatment modalities.
  • These advancements offer hope for patients with limited options.

Keywords:
Anginaangiogenesiscoronary artery diseaseenhanced external counterpulsationtransmyocardial revascularization

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