Long-term prognosis for patients with variant angina and influential factors

Two hundred forty-five patients with variant angina were followed for an average of 80.5 months (range, 36-184 months). Survival rate at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years was 98%, 97%, 97%, and 93%, respectively. Survival rate without myocardial infarction at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years was 86%, 85%, 83%, and 81%, respectively. By univarite analysis, ST segment elevation in both the anterior and inferior electrocardiographic leads was the most important factor influencing survival, followed by use of calcium antagonists, left ventricular function, smoking, and alcohol intake. The variables that significantly correlated with survival without myocardial infarction were use of calcium antagonists, left ventricular function, extent and severity of coronary artery disease, coronary artery bypass surgery, and disease activity. Multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model showed that intake of calcium antagonists, extent and severity of coronary artery disease, and ST segment elevation in both the anterior and inferior leads were significant independent predictors of survival without myocardial infarction. We conclude that long-term prognosis for patients with variant angina is relatively good and that use of calcium antagonists improves it.