Need for improved treatment for unstable coronary artery disease

There is a pressing need for improved diagnosis and treatment of unstable coronary artery disease (UCAD). The limitations of the 12-lead electrocardiogram for diagnosing the disease are outlined in this article and additional diagnostic methods are discussed. Available treatments for UCAD are reviewed, including coronary bypass surgery, coronary angioplasty, and medical therapy. Finally, the issue of optimizing healthcare resources is discussed. It is concluded that preventing atheroma from entering an unstable phase may be the most cost-effective way of managing UCAD.