The medical treatment of angina pectoris

Angina pectoris is a subjective symptom recognized primarily by a careful history. It must be differentiated from nonatherosclerotic chest pain. Arteriography should be performed when the diagnosis is in doubt or when the stable from becomes unstable. Management must include: attention to risk factors; awareness of precipitating factors; treatment of other illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes, and the use of drugs: nitroglycerin and, for long-term therapy, propranolol. If this regimen fails, patients should be considered for surgery.