[Current point of view on medical treatment of unstable angina]

The combined death/infarct rate in the weeks following unstable angina ranges from 10 to 40%. Aspirin and GP IIb/IIIa antagonists reduce the mortality and morbidity, which has not been demonstrated with heparin. The short term clinical results of treatment with hirudin are better than those with heparin. A rebound biological effect after heparin or hirudin therapy may have adverse clinical consequences. Nitrate derivatives have a role to play and adjuvant therapy includes the betablockers and some calcium antagonists in special indications.