[Choice of treatment methods in initial forms of ischemic heart disease]

The authors examined 125 patients with initial forms of ischemic heart disease (duration of no more than 2 months). The examination comprised coronarography, ventriculography, 24-hour ECG monitoring, and bicycle ergometry. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 consisted of 81 patients who received nonoperative treatment; group 2 was formed of 44 patients who underwent operation for aortocoronary shunting. The results of treatment were appraised according to three parameters: a state of angina pectoris, prevention of myocardial infarction, and survival. They were studied in the hospital stage and in the long-term follow-up periods. Comparative analysis showed that surgery had some advantages over nonoperative treatment in relieving completely attacks of angina pectoris and transitory episodes of myocardial hypoxia. Patients who had been operated on possessed higher tolerance to physical exertion. None of the two methods of treatment had advantages over the other in regards to prevention of myocardial infarction, a fatal outcome, and prolongation of survival.