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[Change in indications for coronary angiography in a decade]
L Finci1, B Meier, B de Bruyne
1Centre de cardiologie, Hôpital cantonal universitaire, Genève.
Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift
|August 15, 1987
Summary
Indications for coronary angiography remained similar between 1975 and 1985, with chest pain being the primary reason for the procedure. However, the study observed an increase in older patients and those with prior angioplasty over this decade.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Coronary angiography is a key diagnostic tool for assessing coronary artery disease.
- Understanding trends in its indications is crucial for healthcare planning and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the indications and therapeutic conclusions of cardiac catheterization, including coronary angiography, between 1975 and 1985.
- To identify any significant changes in patient demographics and reasons for undergoing the procedure.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective comparison of 100 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac catheterization in 1975 versus 100 in 1985.
- Analysis of baseline patient characteristics, primary indications, and diagnostic outcomes.
Main Results:
- Patient populations were similar except for increased age and prior angioplasty in the 1985 group.
- The primary indication remained chest pain in both groups (67% vs. 62%).
- A statistically significant decrease in 'incidental' indications (19% vs. 8%) was noted, with shifts in specific incidental causes.
Conclusions:
- The fundamental indications for coronary angiography showed stability between 1975 and 1985.
- Changes in patient demographics, such as increased age and prior interventions, suggest evolving patient profiles undergoing angiography.