Chest Pain / Angina Pectoris: Difference between revisions

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In 1772 doctor William Heberden first described angina pectoris, he wrote: ''“They who are afflicted with it are seized, while they are walking (more especially if it be up hill), with a painful and most disagreeable sensation in the breast, which seems as if it would extinguish life if it were to increase or to continue, but the moment the patient stands still all this uneasiness vanishes”''.<cite>Davies</cite>
In 1772 physician William Heberden first described angina pectoris, writing: “ They who are afflicted with it are seized, while they are walking (more especially if it be up hill), with a painful and most disagreeable sensation in the breast, which seems as if it would extinguish life if it were to increase or to continue, but the moment the patient stands still all this uneasiness vanishes”. PMID: 11756201
[[File:heberden.jpg|thumb|right|200px|William Heberden]]
Stable angina (pectoris) is a clinical syndrome characterized by discomfort in the chest, jaw, shoulder, back, or arms, typically elicited by exertion or emotional stress and relieved
Three major coronary arteries provide the heart with oxygenated blood, the right coronary artery (RCA), the left coronary artery (LCA) and the circumflex artery (Cx). When the coronary arteries are affected by atherosclerosis and the lumen of the coronary arteries narrows, the heart receives less oxygenated blood and becomes hypoxic, which results in angina pectoris.  
by rest or nitroglycerin. It can be attributed to myocardial ischemia which is most commonly caused by atherosclerotic coronary artery disease.  
[[File:Coronary_anatomy.png|thumb|right|200px|Coronary anatomy: right coronary artery (RCA), the left coronary artery (LCA) and the circumflex artery (Cx)]]
== Definition ==
Complete history and physical examination are essential to determine angina pectoris as diagnosis and to exclude other causes of chest pain, such as aorta dissection, arrhythmias, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, heartburn, hyperventilation or musculoskeletal problems.<cite>Sampson</cite>
Three major coronary arteries supply the heart with oxygenated blood, the right coronary artery (RCA), the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) and the left circumflex artery (LCx). When the coronary arteries are affected by atherosclerosis and the lumen of the coronary arteries progressively narrow, a dysbalance between myocardial oxygen supply and myocardial oxygen consumption might occur, causing myocardial ischemia.  
This imbalance mainly occurs when oxygen demand increases due to exercise, increased heart rate, contractility or wall stress.


===History===
A complete history and physical examination are essential to support the diagnosis (stable) angina pectoris and to exclude other (acute) causes of chest pain such as an acute coronary syndrome, aortic dissection, arrhythmias, pulmonary embolism, (tension) pneumothorax or pneumonia, gastroesophageal reflux or spams, hyperventilation or musculoskeletal pain. PMID 4997794  In addition, laboratory tests and specific cardiac investigations are often necessary.
Patients often experience angina pectoris as if a elephant stands on their chest. Because the heart itself has very few nerves the pain can be sensible elsewhere in the upper body, mainly arms, jaw and/or back.<cite>Foreman</cite> Some patients only complain about stomach ache so the presentation can be very a specific.<cite>Canto</cite>,<cite>Pope</cite>
== HISTORY ==
Patients often describe angina pectoris as pressure, tightness, or heaviness located centrally in the chest, and sometimes as strangling, constricting, or burning. The pain often radiates elsewhere in the upper body, mainly arms, jaw and/or back. PMID 10099685 Some patients only complain about abdominal pain so the presentation can be a specific. PMID 10866870, PMID 10751787


Angina pectoris however has some characteristics that can help to differentiate between other causes of (chest) pain. Angina pectoris is gradual in onset and offset, with the intensity increasing and decreasing over several minutes. The pain is constant and does not change with respiration or position. If patients had angina pectoris before they will recognize the pain immediately.<cite>Constant</cite>  
Angina pectoris however has some characteristics that can help to differentiate between other causes of (chest) pain. Angina pectoris is usually is brief and gradual in onset and offset, with the intensity increasing and decreasing over several minutes. The pain does not change with respiration or position. If patients had angina pectoris previously they are often able to recognize the pain immediately.  PMID 6831781
Angina pectoris usually occurs with increasing oxygen demand such as during exercise. As soon as the demand is decreased (by stopping the exercise for example) the angina pectoris usually disappears within a few minutes.
Another way to relieve pain is by administration of nitro-glycerine spray. Nitro-glycerine spray is a vasodilator which reduces venous return to the heart and therefore decreases the workload and therefore oxygen demand. It also vasodilates the coronary arteries and increases coronary blood flow. PMID 3925741 The response to nitro-glycerine is however not specific for angina pectoris, a similar response may be seen with oesophageal spasm or other gastrointestinal problems because nitro-glycerine also relaxes smooth muscle. PMID 14678917


Angina pectoris usually occurs during exercise when the demand for oxygenated blood increases. Coronary arteries with a narrowed lumen can not meet the demand of oxygenated blood during exercise. As soon as the exercise is aborted angina pectoris decreases. This is called stable angina pectoris.
Depending on the characteristics, chest pain can be identified as typical angina, atypical angina or non-cardiac chest pain, see table 1 


Unstable angina pectoris means angina pectoris at rest which consists less than two months. Over time the angina pectoris develops to more often, severe and prolonged, so that symptoms are to occur at less and less effort than before.<cite>Anderson</cite>
   
   
Stable angina pectoris responds to nitro-glycerine spray, unstable angina pectoris does not.
PMID:16735367
Nitro-glycerine spray is a venodilator which reduces venous return to the heart and therefore decreases the workload and therefore oxygen demand. It also vasodilates the coronary arteries and increases coronary blood flow.<cite>Abrams</cite>


Nitro-glycerine is however not specific for angina pectoris, a similar response may be seen with oesophageal spasm or other gastrointestinal problems because nitro-glycerine also relaxes smooth muscle.<cite>Henrikson</cite>
The classification of chest pain in combination with age and sex is helpful in estimating the pretest likelihood of angiographically significant coronary artery disease, see table 2.  


During angina pectoris so called vegetative symptoms can occur, this includes sweating, nausea, paleface, anxiety and agitation. The idea is that the vegetative nerve system is more active in a reaction to stress.<cite>Antman</cite>
    PMID:12515758


===Physical Examination===
Furthermore, the intensity of the pain can be classified according to the Canadian Cardiovascular Society as shown in table 3
Oxygen deficiency of the heart leads to ischemia, ischemia and the discomfort the patient experiences lead to sympathetic activation of the nervous system. This is detectable during physical examination by an increase in heart rate and elevation in blood pressure.
Ischemia can also cause a temporarily impairment in myocardial function, on auscultation you could hear a paradoxically split second heart sound, a third or fourth heart sound and a mitral regurgitation murmur. All these findings however disappear with resolution of the ischemia. Up to date: Pathophysiology and clinical presentation of ischemic chest pain, geen bronvermelding.


===ECG===
Table 3
[[File:TBC00003.jpg|200px|thumb|right|]]


The electrocardiogram (ECG) is an easy and important tool to differentiate between myocardial ischemia and infarction. Patients with unstable angina pectoris will show abnormalities on the ECG at rest, in particular ST depression.
During angina pectoris so called vegetative symptoms can occur, including sweating, nausea, paleface, anxiety and agitation. This is probably caused by the autonomic nerve system being more active in a reaction to stress. PMID 15289388
Patients with stable angina pectoris are likely to have a completely normal ECG at rest, exercise ECG testing will be necessary to show any abnormalities.<cite>Ref1</cite> During exercise ECG testing an ECG is made during cycling on a home trainer or walking on a treadmill. While exercising the oxygen demand of the heart increases, if the narrowed coronary arteries are unable to supply enough oxygenated blood, the patient develops pain on the chest and the ECG will show abnormalities.<cite>Fox</cite>


===Additional Research===
Finally, it is important to differentiate unstable angina (indicating an acute coronary syndrome or even myocardial infarction requiring urgent treatment) from stable angina. Unstable angina typically is severe, occurs and does not disappear with rest, and has a longer duration than stable angina. It is important to initiate the right treatment in these patients, as described in the acute coronary syndromes chapter.  
If the ECG made during exercise testing does not show any abnormalities angina pectoris becomes very unlikely. If the ECG does show abnormalities during exercise testing additional research needs to be done.<cite>Fox</cite> Depending on the hospital one of the below standing research will be done.
# Exercise echocardiography means that an echocardiography is made directly after exercise. The poorly perfused parts of the heart will show less activity.<cite>Amanullah</cite>
# Myocardium Perfusion Scintigraphy (MPS) is able to show the perfusion of the heart during exercise and at rest.<cite>Brown</cite>
# MRI can be done with vasodilatory dobutamine or stimulating adenosine to assess how the heart behaves during exercise.<cite>Kwong</cite>
The findings on stress testing can be used to determine the choice between medical therapy and revascularization in patients with stable angina. Coronary angiography is recommended based upon symptoms, left ventricular function, and estimated risk by stress testing.<cite>Fraker</cite>


'''Table 1'''
== PHYSICAL EXAMINATION ==
There are no specific signs in angina pectoris. Physical examination of a patient with (suspected) angina pectoris is important to assess the presence of hypertension,
valvular heart disease, or hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. It should include the body-mass index, evidence of non-coronary vascular disease which may be asymptomatic,
and other signs of co morbid conditions. Absence of palpable pulsations in the dorsal foot artery is associated with an 8 fold increase in coronary artery disease.


==Coronary Angiography==
== ECG ==
In patients with unstable angina pectoris early coronary angiography possibly followed by revascularization is usually performed within 4 to 24 hours of admission in the hospital. In most clinical trials this strategy has shown a reduction in the incidence of death or nonfatal myocardial infraction.<cite>Anderson</cite>
The electrocardiogram (ECG) is an easy and important tool to differentiate between unstable angina (acute coronary syndrome) and stable angina. Patients with unstable angina pectoris are likely to show abnormalities on the ECG at rest, in particular ST-segment deviations.
Although a resting ECG may show signs of coronary artery disease such as pathological Q-waves indicating a previous MI or other abnormalities, most patients with stable angina pectoris often have a completely normal ECG at rest. Therefore exercise ECG testing might be necessary to show signs of myocardial ischemia. PMID: 8375424
Exercise ECG testing is performed with gradually increasing intensity on a treadmill or a bicycle ergo meter. Exercise increases the oxygen demand of the heart, potentially revealing myocardial ischemia by the occurrence of ST-segment depression on the ECG. PMID 17162834


A CAG is an X ray examination of the coronary arteries, a catheter is inserted into the femoral artery or into the radial artery. The tip of the catheter is positioned at the beginning of the coronary arteries and contrast fluid is injected. Contrast is visible by X ray and the images that are obtained are called angiograms.
== LABORATORY TESTING ==
Laboratory testing in the setting of angina pectoris can be useful to differentiate between different causes of the pain, including an acute coronary syndrome. Moreover, it might assist in establishing a cardiovascular risk profile.


On an angiogram stenoses will be visible, if the stenosis is significant coronary intervention will take place. Ideally this happens immediately following the CAG but not all hospitals that are entitled to carry out CAG are qualified to perform percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).  
== STRESS TESTING IN COMBINATION WITH IMAGING ==
Some patients might be unable to perform physical exercise. Furthermore, in patients with resting ECG abnormalities, it might be difficult to interpret the exercise ECG. Finally, if the ECG made during exercise testing does not show any abnormalities angina pectoris becomes very unlikely. However, if the diagnosis is still in doubt, the following additional research may be performed.  
# Exercise echocardiography means that an echocardiography is made before and during different stages up to peak exercise in order to identify wall motion abnormalities. PMID: 1352191 An alternative is pharmacological stress testing using dobutamine.
# Myocardium Perfusion Scintigraphy (MPS) is able to show the perfusion of the heart during exercise and at rest based on radiopharmaceutical tracer uptake . PMID: 2007701
# Magnetic Resonance Imaging can be done with vasodilatory adenosine or stimulating dobutamine to detect wall motion abnormalities induced by ischemia during pharmacological stress. PMID: 12566362


==Treatment==
The findings on stress testing can be used to determine the choice between medical therapy only or medical therapy and invasive assessment of the coronary anatomy in patients with stable angina. Coronary angiography is recommended based upon the severity of symptoms, likelihood of ischemic disease, and risk of the patient for subsequent mortality based on stable angina pectoris risk scores. PMID18061078 For the algorithm for the initial evaluation of patients with clinical symptoms of angina see figure 1
===Medication===
Figure 1 Algorithm for the initial evaluation of patients with clinical symptoms of angina PMID:16735367
In patients with stable angina pectoris percutaneous coronary intervention does not offer any benefit in terms of death, myocardial infarction, or the need for subsequent revascularization compared with conservative medical treatment.<cite>Katritsis</cite>


Initial treatment of stable angina pectoris therefore focuses on medication to keep the workload of the heart as low as possible. β blockers lower heart rate and blood pressure, this decreases the oxygen demand of the heart.<cite>Garcia</cite> Nitrates dilatate the coronary arteries so the heart receives more oxygenated blood.<cite>Abrams</cite> Anticoagulants (aspirin) to reduce the risk of development of a thrombus in the coronary arteries.<cite>Hennekens</cite>
== CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY ==
 
Apart from starting medication the patient needs to minimize any present risk factors like smoking, overweight and drinking alcohol. ''See chronic coronary diseases''.
Coronary angiography (CAG) can assist in the diagnosis and the identification of treatment options for stable angina pectoris. During CAG, the coronary anatomy is visualized including the presence of coronary luminal stenoses. A catheter is inserted into the femoral artery or into the radial artery. The tip of the catheter is positioned at the beginning of the coronary arteries and contrast fluid is injected. The contrast is made visible by X ray and the images that are obtained are called angiograms.  
 
If stenoses are visible, the operator will judge whether this stenosis is significant and eligible for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Ideally PCI happens immediately following the CAG but not all hospitals are entitled to carry out revascularization procedures.
===Percutaneous Coronary Intervention===
The procedure of PCI is similar to a CAG, except this time a catheter with an inflatable balloon will be brought at the site of the stenosis. Inflation of the balloon within the coronary artery will crush the atherosclerosis and eliminate the stenosis. To prevent that the effect of the balloon is only temporarily a stent is often positioned at the site of the stenosis.
 
===Coronary Artery Bypass Graft===
There are circumstances in which CABG should be performed.
CABG does not eliminate the stenosis like PCI does. Using the internal thoracic arteries or the saphenous veins from the legs a bypass is made around the stenosis. The bypass originates from the aorta and terminates directly after the stenosis. Thereby restoring the blood supply to the ramifications.
 
=Myocardial Infarction=
 
In 2006 425.425 people died from a heart attack, 1.255.000 new and recurrent coronary attacks took place, about 34% died, 17.600.000 victims of angina, heart attack and other forms of coronary heart disease are still living. These numbers only account for the United States.
 
Nog verwerken [http://www.who.int/cardiovascular_diseases/en/cvd_atlas_14_deathHD.pdf] en [http://www.who.int/cardiovascular_diseases/en/cvd_atlas_01_types.pdf] en [http://www.who.int/cardiovascular_diseases/en/cvd_atlas_13_coronaryHD.pdf]
 
===Pathofysiology===
A heart attack or myocardial infarction (MI) is an acute presentation of a process that has been going on much longer. The process responsible is atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease of the arteries in which artery walls thicken by deposition of fatty materials such as cholesterol. The result over decades are plaques, which can narrow the lumen of the arteries significantly and progressively causing symptoms as angina pectoris. Plaques can also suddenly rupture, trigger a cascade which results in a thrombus and thereby cause myocardial infarction.<cite>Davies3</cite>
 
===History===
Classic presentation of a myocardial infarction is acute chest pain which lasts longer than a few minutes.<cite>Swap</cite> The pain does not decrease at rest and is only temporarily relieved with nitroglycerin. Common accompanying symptoms are radiating pain to shoulder, arm, back and/or jaw.<cite>Foreman</cite> Shortness of breath can occur, as well as sweating, fainting, nausea and vomiting, so called vegetative symptoms. Some patients not really complain about chest pain but more about abdominal pain so as with angina pectoris the presentation can be very a specific.<cite>Canto</cite>,<cite>Pope</cite>
 
It is important to complete the history with information about past history (prior history of ischemic events or vascular disease), risk factors for cardiovascular disease (o.a. smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity) and family history (direct family with myocardial infarction and/or sudden cardiac death).
 
Signs of heart failure such as orthopnea (not able to sleep without a pillow), progressive dyspnoea and oedematous ankles are indicative for the extent of the problem.<cite>Antman</cite>
 
A suspected myocardial infarction should be rapidly evaluated to initiate appropriate therapy.
 
===Physical Examination===
On physical examination evidence of systemic hypoperfusion can be found such as hypotension, tachycardia, impaired cognition, pale and ashen skin.<cite>Antman</cite>
 
If during auscultation pulmonary crackles are heard and pitting oedema of the ankles is seen heart failure is complicating the myocardial infarction.
 
History and physical examination are helpful to determine myocardial infarction as diagnosis and to exclude other causes of chest pain, such as angina pectoris, aorta dissection, arrhythmias, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, heartburn, hyperventilation or musculoskeletal problems.<cite>Antman</cite>
 
===Electrocardiogram===
An electrocardiogram (ECG) should be made within 10 minutes of arrival in every patient with suspected myocardial infarction.<cite>Antman</cite>
An ECG is important to differentiate between myocardial ischemia and infarction:
* ST elevation in myocardial infarction
* ST depression in myocardial ischemia
 
And to differentiate between STEMI and NSTEMI:
* STEMI stands for ST elevated (>20 min) Myocardial Infarction
* NSTEMI stand for Non ST elevated Myocardial Infarction
 
It can however take 90 minutes after the onset of the symptoms to see abnormalities on the ECG. Therefore it is important to make a serial ECG, certainly if a patient has ongoing symptoms.<cite>Antman</cite>
 
An ECG is also helpful in localising the ischemia:
Anterior wall ischemia - One or more of leads V1-V6
Anteroseptal ischemia - Leads V1 to V3
Apical or lateral ischemia - Leads aVL and I, and leads V4 to V6
Inferior wall ischemia - Leads II, III, and aVF
 
===Cardiac Markers===
Cardiac markers are essential for confirming the diagnosis of infarction. Elevated CK MB and Troponin I indicate damage of the myocardium. Cardiac Troponin I concentration begins to rise two to three hours after myocardial ischemia.<cite>Macrae</cite>
It can take 4-6 hours before the CK MB concentration is elevated. The advise is to repeat the measurements after 4-6 hours.<cite>Puleo</cite>
A pitfall concerning elevated Troponin I can be patients with renal failure or pulmonary embolism.<cite>Thygesen</cite> Although cardiac markers are helpful for confirming the diagnosis reperfusion should not always wait till the cardiac markers are known.
 
==ST elevated Myocardial Infarct==
 
Initial treatment of STEMI is relief of ischemic pain, stabilize the hemodynamic status and reduce the ischemia as quickly as possible by fibrinolysis or primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Meanwhile other measures as continuous cardiac monitoring, oxygen and intravenous access are necessary to guarantee the safety of the patient.<cite>Antman</cite>
 
Rapid revascularisation is essential to minimize the impact of the myocardial inf'''Bold text'''arction and thereby reduce mortality. In the first hours after symptom onset the amount of salvageable myocardium by reperfusion is greatest. <cite>Anderson2</cite>, <cite>Bassand</cite>
Revascularisation can be achieved by fibrinolysis or PCI.
 
PCI is, if available, the preferred revascularisation method for patients with STEMI.  
But not all hospitals are qualified to perform PCI and therefore fibrinolysis is still used. There are however some circumstances in which transfer to a PCI qualified hospital is essential:
 
* Patients with contraindications for fibrinolysis as active bleedings, recent dental surgery, past history of intracranial bleeding.<cite>Grzybowski</cite>
* Patients with cardiogenic shock, severe heart failure and/or pulmonary oedema complicating the myocardial infarction.<cite>Thune</cite>, <cite>Kent</cite>
 
Or when PCI has a better outcome:
* Patients who present three hours to four hours after the onset of the symptoms.<cite>VandeWerf</cite>
* Patients with a non diagnostic ECG or a atypical history a coronary angiography with the ability to perform a PCI is preferred.<cite>VandeWerf</cite>
 
===Fibrinolysis===
Fibrinolytics like streptokinase stimulate the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin. Plasmin demolishes fibrin which is an important constituent of the thrombus. Fibrinolytics are most effective the first hours after the onset of symptoms, after twelve hours the outcome will not improve.<cite>Bassand</cite>
Because re occlusion after fibrinolysis is possible patients should be transferred to a PCI qualified hospital once fibrinolysis is done.<cite>Silber</cite>
 
===Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)===
'''Table 3 Considerations for selecting primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for reperfusion therapy in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)'''
 
The procedure of PCI starts off as a coronary angiography (see CAG). When the stenosis is visualized a catheter with an inflatable balloon will be brought at the site of the stenosis. Inflation of the balloon within the coronary artery will crush the atherosclerosis and eliminate the stenosis. To prevent that the effect of the balloon is only temporarily a stent is positioned at the site of the stenosis. To reduce the risk of coronary artery stent thrombosis antiplatelet therapy should be given.
 
===Coronary Artery Bypass Graft===
There are circumstances in which CABG should be performed.
 
{| class="wikitable" border="1" style="width: 700px"
|-
! style="background: #34abff; color: white; " | Class of recommendations
! style="background: #34abff; color: white" | ACC / AHA 2004 Guideline on CABG in STEMI patients <cite>AHACABG</cite>
|-
| style="background: #74fb3f; vertical-align:top;" | '''Class I'''
| style="background: white" | There is evidence and/or general agreement that CABG should be performed in patients with STEMI in the following settings:
#Failed percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with persistent pain or hemodynamic instability if coronary anatomy is suitable for surgery.
#Persistent or recurrent ischemia refractory to medical therapy if coronary anatomy is suitable for surgery, a significant area of myocardium is at risk, and the patient is not a candidate for PCI.
#At the time of surgical repair of postinfarction ventricular septal rupture or mitral regurgitation.
#Cardiogenic shock in patients less than 75 years of age who develop shock within 36 hours of MI and are suitable and appropriate candidates for revascularization that can be performed within 18 hours of shock.
#Life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias in the presence of at least 50 percent left main stenosis and/or triple-vessel disease.
If possible, an internal mammary artery graft should be used to bypass a significantly stenosed left anterior descending artery.
|-
| style="background: #fdaa02; vertical-align:top;" | '''Class IIa'''
| style="background: white" | The weight of evidence or opinion is in favor of benefit from CABG in patients with STEMI in the following settings:
#For primary reperfusion in patients who have suitable anatomy, are not candidates for or have failed fibrinolysis/PCI, and are in the first 6 to 12 hours of an evolving STEMI.
#Since CABG mortality is elevated for the first 3 to 7 days after infarction, the benefit of revascularization must be balanced against this risk. Patients who are stable (no ongoing ischemia, hemodynamic compromise, or life-threatening arrhythmia) and who have incurred a significant fall in left ventricular function should have their surgery delayed to allow myocardial recovery to occur. If critical anatomy exists, revascularization should be performed during the index hospitalization.
|-
| style="background: #fdaa02; vertical-align:top;" | '''Class IIb'''
| style="background: white" |
|-
| style="background: #fd3535; vertical-align:top;" | '''Class III'''
| style="background: white" |
There is evidence and/or general agreement that emergency CABG should not be performed in patients with STEMI in the following settings:
#Persistent angina and a small area of myocardium at risk in hemodynamically stable patients.
#Successful epicardial reperfusion in the absence of successful microvascular reperfusion.
|-
| colspan="2" |
<small>''Class I:'' Evidence and/or general agreement that a given treatment or procedure is beneficial, useful, effective. ''Class II:''
Conflicting evidence and/or a divergence of opinion about the usefulness/efficacy of the given treatment or procedure. ''IIa:'' Weight of evidence/opinion is in favour of usefulness/efficacy. ''IIb:'' Usefulness/efficacy is less well established by evidence/opinion. ''Class III'': Evidence or general agreement that the given treatment or procedure is not usefull effective, and in some cases may be harmful.</small>
|}
 
{| class="wikitable" border="1" style="width: 700px"
|-
! style="background: #34abff; color: white; " | Class of recommendations
! style="background: #34abff; color: white" | ACC AHA angio stable angina
|-
| style="background: #74fb3f; vertical-align:top;" | '''Class I'''
| style="background: white" | There is evidence and/or general agreement that coronary angiography should be performed to risk stratify patients with chronic stable angina in the following settings
#Disabling anginal symptoms (Canadian Cardiovascular Society [CCS] classes III and IV) despite medical therapy.
#High-risk criteria on noninvasive testing independent of the severity of angina.
#Survivors of sudden cardiac death or serious ventricular arrhythmia.
#Symptoms and signs of heart failure.
#Clinical features that suggest that the patient has a high likelihood of severe coronary artery disease.
|-
| style="background: #fdaa02; vertical-align:top;" | '''Class IIa'''
| style="background: white" | The evidence or opinion is in favor of performing coronary angiography to risk stratify patients with chronic stable angina in the following settings
#Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 45 percent, CCS class I or II angina, and evidence, on noninvasive testing, of ischemia that does not meet high-risk criteria.
#Noninvasive testing does not reveal adequate prognostic information.
|-
| style="background: #fdaa02; vertical-align:top;" | '''Class IIb'''
| style="background: white" | The evidence or opinion is less well established for performing coronary angiography to risk stratify patients with chronic stable angina in the following settings
#Left ventricular ejection fraction greater than 45 percent, CCS class I or II angina, and evidence, on noninvasive testing, of ischemia that does not meet high-risk criteria.
#CCS class III or IV angina that improves to class I or II with medical therapy.
#CCS class I or II angina but unacceptable side effects to adequate medical therapy.
|-
| style="background: #fd3535; vertical-align:top;" | '''Class III'''
| style="background: white" | There is evidence and/or general agreement that coronary angiography should not be performed to risk stratify patients with chronic stable angina in the following settings
#CCS class I or II angina that responds to medical therapy and, on noninvasive testing, shows no evidence of ischemia.
#Patient preference to avoid revascularization.
|-
| colspan="2" |
<small>Data from Gibbons, RJ, Abrams, J, Chatterjee, K, et al. ACC/AHA 2002 guideline update for the management of patients with chronic stable angina--summary article: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Committee on the Management of Patients With Chronic Stable Angina). Circulation 2003; 107:149.</small>
|}
 
{| class="wikitable" border="1" style="width: 700px"
|-
! style="background: #34abff; color: white; " | Class of recommendations
! style="background: #34abff; color: white" | ACC AHA consider primary PCI
|-
| style="background: #74fb3f; vertical-align:top;" | '''Class I'''
| style="background: white" | There is evidence and/or general agreement that primary PCI for reperfusion therapy should be performed in patients with STEMI (including true posterior MI or MI with new or presumably new left bundle branch block) in the following settings:
*General considerations:
:#If immediately available, primary PCI of the infarct-related artery should be performed when the procedure can be initiated within 12 hours of symptom onset and in a timely fashion (balloon inflation within 90 minutes of presentation) by skilled operators (individuals who perform more than 75 PCI procedures per year).
:#The procedure should be supported by experienced personnel in an appropriate laboratory environment, defined as a laboratory that performs more than 200 PCI procedures per year, of which at least 36 are primary PCI for STEMI, and has cardiac surgery capability.
*Specific considerations:
:#With each of the following indications, primary PCI should be performed as quickly as possible with a goal of a medical contact-to-balloon or door-to-balloon interval of 90 minutes or less.
:#If the symptom duration is within three hours and the expected door-to-balloon time minus the expected door-to-needle time for fibrinolytic therapy is:
:::a. Within one hour, primary PCI is generally preferred.
:::b. Greater than one hour, fibrinolytic therapy with a fibrin-specific agent is generally preferred.
<ol start="3">
:<li>If the symptom duration is greater than three hours, primary PCI is generally preferred.
:<li>Primary PCI should be performed in patients less than 75 years of age who develop shock within 36 hours of MI and are suitable for revascularization that can be performed within 18 hours of shock unless further support is futile because of the patient's wishes or contraindications or unsuitability for further invasive care.
:<li>Primary PCI should be performed in patients with severe HF and/or pulmonary edema (Killip class 3) and symptom onset within 12 hours.
|-
| style="background: #fdaa02; vertical-align:top;" | '''Class IIa'''
| style="background: white" | The evidence/opinion is in favor of the efficacy of primary PCI for reperfusion therapy in patients with STEMI (including true posterior MI or MI with new or presumably new left bundle branch block) in the following settings:
*Selected patients ≥75 years of age who develop shock within 36 hours of MI and are suitable for revascularization that can be performed within 18 hours of shock. Criteria for selection include good prior functional status, suitability for revascularization, and patient agreement to invasive therapy.
*Patients seen within 12 to 24 hours of symptom onset who have one or more of the following features: severe heart failure; hemodynamic or electrical instability; and/or evidence of persistent ischemia.
|-
| style="background: #fdaa02; vertical-align:top;" | '''Class IIb'''
| style="background: white" | The evidence/opinion is less well established for the efficacy of primary PCI for reperfusion therapy in patients with STEMI (including true posterior MI or MI with new or presumably new left bundle branch block) in the following setting:
*Among patients who are eligible for fibrinolysis, performance of primary PCI by an operator who does less than 75 PCI procedures per year.
|-
| style="background: #fd3535; vertical-align:top;" | '''Class III'''
| style="background: white" | There is evidence and/or general agreement that primary PCI for reperfusion therapy in patients with STEMI (including true posterior MI or MI with new or presumably new left bundle branch block) may not be useful and, in some cases, may be harmful in the following settings:
#Primary PCI should NOT be performed in asymptomatic patients who present more than 12 hours after symptom onset who are hemodynamically and electrically stable.
#Among patients undergoing primary PCI who do not have hemodynamic compromise, concurrent elective PCI in a non-infarct-related artery should NOT be performed.
|-
| colspan="2" |
<small>Data from: Antman, EM, Anbe, DT, Armstrong, PW, et al. ACC/AHA guidelines for the management of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction--executive summary: a report of the American College of Cardiology/ American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Writing Committee to Revise the 1999 Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction). Circulation 2004; 110:588; and Smith, SC Jr, Feldman, TE, Hirshfeld, JW Jr, et al. ACC/AHA/SCAI 2005 guideline update for percutaneous coronary intervention a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines (ACC/AHA/SCAI Writing Committee to Update the 2001 Guidelines for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention). J Am Coll Cardiol 2006; 47:e1.</small>
|}
 
CABG does not eliminate the stenosis like PCI does. Using the internal thoracic arteries or the saphenous veins from the legs a bypass is made around the stenosis. The bypass originates from the aorta and terminates directly after the stenosis. Thereby restoring the blood supply to the ramifications. A bypass can be single or multiple, multiple meaning that there are several coronary arteries bypassed using the same bypass.
 
Major surgery is not preferable in patients with STEMI, but CABG is inevitable when fibrinolysis and/or PCI failed or when the patient develops cardiogenic shock, life threatening ventricular arrhymthmias or three vessel disease.<cite>Antman2</cite>
 
MEDICATION TO START AFTER MI<cite>Antman3</cite>
β blockers lower heart rate and blood pressure, this decreases the oxygen demand of the heart.
Nitrates dilatate the coronary arteries so the heart receives more oxygenated blood. Anticoagulants reduce the risk of development of a thrombus in the coronary arteries.
Statins to lower cholesterol.
 
Apart from starting medication the patient needs to minimize any present risk factors like smoking, overweight and drinking alcohol.
 
=Non ST elevated Myocardial Infarct=
Initial treatment in NSTEMI is to reduce ischemia, stabilize the hemodynamic status, make serial ECG and to repeat measurements of the cardiac markers. Depending on the early risk stratification a choice has to be made between early invasive therapy or conservative therapy with medicines.<cite>Antman</cite>
 
Early risk stratification is helpful to identify patients at high risk who need a more aggressive therapeutic approach to prevent further ischemic events.<cite>Antman4</cite>
* Age ≥65 years
* Presence of at least three risk factors for coronary heart disease (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, or positive family history of early MI)
* Prior coronary stenosis of ≥50 percent
* Presence of ST segment deviation on admission ECG
* At least two anginal episodes in prior 24 hours
* Elevated serum cardiac biomarkers
* Use of aspirin in the prior seven days
Patients with a score of 0 to 1 are at low risk, score 2 to 3 are at intermediate risk, score 4 to 6 are at high risk.
 
===Conservative Therapy===
The main objective of in hospital conservative therapy is to relieve ischemic pain by intensifying medical therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel orally and nitro-glycerine, heparin and a beta blocker intravenously. If the patients becomes asymptomatic on these medication and is still asymptomatic when the medication is stopped, rest and stress imaging testing will be performed. The advantage of conservative therapy is reduction of the number of unnecessary revascularizations. The disadvantage is a prolonged stay in the hospital.
Up to date: Trials of conservative versus early invasive therapy in unstable angina and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction, geen specifiekere bronvermelding.
 
===Rest and Stress Imaging Tests===
Rest and stress testing is indicated in patients with:<cite>Klocke</cite>
# Angina pectoris with ECG abnormalities during exercise ECG testing
# Asymptomatic NSTEMI after in hospital conservative therapy
 
Exercise echocardiography means that an echocardiography is made directly after exercise. The poorly perfused parts of the heart will show less activity.<cite>Amanullah</cite>
Myocardium Perfusion Scintigraphy (MPS) is able to show the perfusion of the heart during exercise and at rest.<cite>Brown</cite>
MRI can be done with vasodilatory dobutamine or stimulating adenosine to assess how the heart behaves during exercise.<cite>Kwong</cite>
 
===Invasive Therapy===
High risk patients, patients with persistent symptoms despite medication or a positive stress test need invasive therapy. Depending on what is seen during coronary angiography PCI or a CABG is indicated. (see PCI/CABG)
Fibrinolytic therapy is not used in NSTEMI.<cite>Ref2</cite>
 
==Chronic Coronary Disease==
Even though chronic coronary disease mortality rates have declined since 1970 it is still the leading cause of death in many western countries and in an increasing number of non western countries.<cite>Lloyd-Jones</cite>
 
The cause of the reduction in mortality rates is mainly due to rapid recognition at special cardiac care units and the possibility of early intervention.<cite>Capewell</cite>, <cite>Heidenreich</cite>
 
But because survivors of a myocardial infarction still face a substantial risk of further cardiovascular events recognizing and reducing of risk factors is very important.
 
The following risk factors for chronic coronary disease are modifiable and should be tackled.<cite>Yusuf</cite>
 
'''Cigarette smoking''' damages the endothelium of the blood vessels making it easy for the cholesterol to adhere. Smoking is therefore a leading preventable cause of coronary disease.  All patients who smoke should be counselled to give up smoking. Nicotine replacement therapy and behavioural therapy can help.


'''Hypertension''' is like smoking disadvantageous for the endothelium of the blood vessels and so hypertension contributes to the progression of atherosclerosis. Hypertension is defined as a systolic pressure >140 mmHg and/or diastolic pressure >90 mmHg. Patients with hypertension should be first treated with non pharmacologic therapies, including salt restriction, weight reduction in overweight/obese patients, and avoidance of excess alcohol intake. Antihypertensive drugs are indicated in patients with persistent hypertension despite non pharmacologic therapy. Most patients will require multiple antihypertensive drug therapies.
== TREATMENT ==
'''Cholesterol''' is the felon in the atherosclerosis tale and therefore cholesterol levels in the blood should be optimal, meaning low LDL levels and high HDL levels. This can be achieved by using statins.
Stable angina pectoris can be treated by revascularization (PCI or CABG) or optimal medical therapy. The choice depends on factors such as the severity of symptoms and anatomical complexity of the lesion. Current guidelines for myocardial revascularization, recommend revascularization in patients with persistent symptoms despite optimal medical therapy. PMID: 20802248 Furthermore, revascularization is indicated in case of proven large areas of myocardial ischemia, such as a left main stem stenosis, a proximal LAD stenosis or significant three vessel disease. The choice between PCI and CABG depends on the multitude of factors, and the choice should be made in a team including (interventional) cardiologists and thoracic surgeons.  
'''Exercise''' lowers morbidity and mortality from coronary disease.
'''Obesity''' increases several risk factors for coronary heart disease, including hypertension, high cholesterol and insulin resistance as well as diabetes. Data show a linear relationship of higher body weight with morbidity and mortality from coronary disease. All patients who are willing, ready and able to lose weight should receive information about behaviour modification, diet, and increased physical activity.
'''A healthy diet''' results in a significantly lower risk of coronary disease. A healthy diet consists of high intake of fruit and vegetables, high fiber intake, a low glycemic index and load, unsaturated fat rather than saturated fat, a limited intake of red or processed meat and intake of omega 3 fatty acids.
Several studies have shown that people who have a high intake of fruit and vegetables have a reduce risk coronary disease. It is possible that this is due to specific compounds in vegetables and fruits, or because people who eat more vegetables and fruits tend to eat less meat and saturated fat.


'''In diabetes mellitus''' tight glycemic control is important to protect against many vascular complications, including coronary disease.  
== MEDICAL THERAPY ==
A small amount of '''alcohol''' results in a lower risk of morbidity and mortality from coronary disease.  
Initial treatment of stable angina pectoris focuses on medication to keep the oxygen demand of the heart as low as possible. β blockers lower heart rate and blood pressure, decreasing the oxygen demand of the heart. PMID 16735367 Nitrates dilatate the coronary arteries so the heart receives more oxygenated blood. PMID 3925741 Antiplatelet therapy (aspirin) reduces the risk of development of a thrombus and thus subsequent (coronary) ischemic events. PMID 9355934
Apart from starting medication the patient needs to minimize/control any present risk factors like smoking, overweight and drinking alcohol. See chronic coronary diseases.  


===Screening===
== PCI ==  
Because extensive coronary disease can exist with minimal or no symptoms screening for coronary disease has been suggested. Although screening results in indentifying patients at increased risk there is lack of evidence that screening actually improves outcome.<cite>Gibbons</cite>
The procedure of PCI is similar to a CAG, except this time a catheter with an inflatable balloon will be brought at the site of the stenosis. Inflation of the balloon within the coronary artery will crush the atherosclerosis and eliminate the stenosis. To prevent collaps of the arteric wall and restenosis, a stent is often positioned at the site of the stenosis.  


=References=
== CABG ==
<biblio>
There are circumstances in which CABG should be considered, including left main or proximal LAD stenosis or multiple vessel disease. The choice for PCI or CABG depends on multiple patient and lesion characteristics and should be discussed in a specialized heart team involving cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons.
#Davies pmid=11756201
With CABG, a bypass is placed around the stenosis using the internal thoracic arteries or the saphenous veins from the legs. The bypass originates proximal from the stenosis and terminates distally from the stenosis.
#Sampson pmid=4997794
#Foreman pmid=10099685
#Canto pmid=10866870
#Pope pmid=10751787
#Constant pmid=6831781
#Anderson pmid=17692738
#Anderson2 pmid=8712096
#Abrams pmid=3925741
#Henrikson pmid=14678917
#Antman pmid=15289388
#Fox pmid=17162834
#Amanullah pmid=1352191
#Brown pmid=2007701
#Kwong pmid=12566362
#Fraker pmid=18061078
#Katritsis pmid=15927966
#Garcia pmid=16735367
#Hennekens pmid=9355934
#Davies3 pmid=11084798
#Swap pmid=16304077
#Macrae pmid=16556688
#Thygesen pmid=17951284
#Puleo pmid=7702648
#Bassand pmid=16311237
#Grzybowski pmid=14532318
#Thune pmid=16186438
#Kent pmid=12472924
#VandeWerf pmid=12559937
#Silber pmid=f15769784
#Antman2 pmid=18191746
#Antman3 pmid=15339869
#Antman4 pmid=10938172
#Klocke pmid=12975245
#Lloyd-Jones pmid=20177011
#Gibbons pmid=12392846
#Capewell pmid=11004141
#Heidenreich pmid=11182101
#Yusuf pmid=15364185
#Ref1 pmid=8375424
#Ref2 pmid=8149520
#AHACABG pmid=15466654
</biblio>

Revision as of 12:36, 13 January 2012

In 1772 physician William Heberden first described angina pectoris, writing: “ They who are afflicted with it are seized, while they are walking (more especially if it be up hill), with a painful and most disagreeable sensation in the breast, which seems as if it would extinguish life if it were to increase or to continue, but the moment the patient stands still all this uneasiness vanishes”. PMID: 11756201 Stable angina (pectoris) is a clinical syndrome characterized by discomfort in the chest, jaw, shoulder, back, or arms, typically elicited by exertion or emotional stress and relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. It can be attributed to myocardial ischemia which is most commonly caused by atherosclerotic coronary artery disease.

Definition

Three major coronary arteries supply the heart with oxygenated blood, the right coronary artery (RCA), the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) and the left circumflex artery (LCx). When the coronary arteries are affected by atherosclerosis and the lumen of the coronary arteries progressively narrow, a dysbalance between myocardial oxygen supply and myocardial oxygen consumption might occur, causing myocardial ischemia. This imbalance mainly occurs when oxygen demand increases due to exercise, increased heart rate, contractility or wall stress.

A complete history and physical examination are essential to support the diagnosis (stable) angina pectoris and to exclude other (acute) causes of chest pain such as an acute coronary syndrome, aortic dissection, arrhythmias, pulmonary embolism, (tension) pneumothorax or pneumonia, gastroesophageal reflux or spams, hyperventilation or musculoskeletal pain. PMID 4997794 In addition, laboratory tests and specific cardiac investigations are often necessary.

HISTORY

Patients often describe angina pectoris as pressure, tightness, or heaviness located centrally in the chest, and sometimes as strangling, constricting, or burning. The pain often radiates elsewhere in the upper body, mainly arms, jaw and/or back. PMID 10099685 Some patients only complain about abdominal pain so the presentation can be a specific. PMID 10866870, PMID 10751787

Angina pectoris however has some characteristics that can help to differentiate between other causes of (chest) pain. Angina pectoris is usually is brief and gradual in onset and offset, with the intensity increasing and decreasing over several minutes. The pain does not change with respiration or position. If patients had angina pectoris previously they are often able to recognize the pain immediately. PMID 6831781 Angina pectoris usually occurs with increasing oxygen demand such as during exercise. As soon as the demand is decreased (by stopping the exercise for example) the angina pectoris usually disappears within a few minutes. Another way to relieve pain is by administration of nitro-glycerine spray. Nitro-glycerine spray is a vasodilator which reduces venous return to the heart and therefore decreases the workload and therefore oxygen demand. It also vasodilates the coronary arteries and increases coronary blood flow. PMID 3925741 The response to nitro-glycerine is however not specific for angina pectoris, a similar response may be seen with oesophageal spasm or other gastrointestinal problems because nitro-glycerine also relaxes smooth muscle. PMID 14678917

Depending on the characteristics, chest pain can be identified as typical angina, atypical angina or non-cardiac chest pain, see table 1


PMID:16735367

The classification of chest pain in combination with age and sex is helpful in estimating the pretest likelihood of angiographically significant coronary artery disease, see table 2. 


   PMID:12515758

Furthermore, the intensity of the pain can be classified according to the Canadian Cardiovascular Society as shown in table 3

Table 3


During angina pectoris so called vegetative symptoms can occur, including sweating, nausea, paleface, anxiety and agitation. This is probably caused by the autonomic nerve system being more active in a reaction to stress. PMID 15289388

Finally, it is important to differentiate unstable angina (indicating an acute coronary syndrome or even myocardial infarction requiring urgent treatment) from stable angina. Unstable angina typically is severe, occurs and does not disappear with rest, and has a longer duration than stable angina. It is important to initiate the right treatment in these patients, as described in the acute coronary syndromes chapter.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

There are no specific signs in angina pectoris. Physical examination of a patient with (suspected) angina pectoris is important to assess the presence of hypertension, valvular heart disease, or hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. It should include the body-mass index, evidence of non-coronary vascular disease which may be asymptomatic, and other signs of co morbid conditions. Absence of palpable pulsations in the dorsal foot artery is associated with an 8 fold increase in coronary artery disease.

ECG

The electrocardiogram (ECG) is an easy and important tool to differentiate between unstable angina (acute coronary syndrome) and stable angina. Patients with unstable angina pectoris are likely to show abnormalities on the ECG at rest, in particular ST-segment deviations. Although a resting ECG may show signs of coronary artery disease such as pathological Q-waves indicating a previous MI or other abnormalities, most patients with stable angina pectoris often have a completely normal ECG at rest. Therefore exercise ECG testing might be necessary to show signs of myocardial ischemia. PMID: 8375424 Exercise ECG testing is performed with gradually increasing intensity on a treadmill or a bicycle ergo meter. Exercise increases the oxygen demand of the heart, potentially revealing myocardial ischemia by the occurrence of ST-segment depression on the ECG. PMID 17162834

LABORATORY TESTING

Laboratory testing in the setting of angina pectoris can be useful to differentiate between different causes of the pain, including an acute coronary syndrome. Moreover, it might assist in establishing a cardiovascular risk profile.

STRESS TESTING IN COMBINATION WITH IMAGING

Some patients might be unable to perform physical exercise. Furthermore, in patients with resting ECG abnormalities, it might be difficult to interpret the exercise ECG. Finally, if the ECG made during exercise testing does not show any abnormalities angina pectoris becomes very unlikely. However, if the diagnosis is still in doubt, the following additional research may be performed.

  1. Exercise echocardiography means that an echocardiography is made before and during different stages up to peak exercise in order to identify wall motion abnormalities. PMID: 1352191 An alternative is pharmacological stress testing using dobutamine.
  2. Myocardium Perfusion Scintigraphy (MPS) is able to show the perfusion of the heart during exercise and at rest based on radiopharmaceutical tracer uptake . PMID: 2007701
  3. Magnetic Resonance Imaging can be done with vasodilatory adenosine or stimulating dobutamine to detect wall motion abnormalities induced by ischemia during pharmacological stress. PMID: 12566362


The findings on stress testing can be used to determine the choice between medical therapy only or medical therapy and invasive assessment of the coronary anatomy in patients with stable angina. Coronary angiography is recommended based upon the severity of symptoms, likelihood of ischemic disease, and risk of the patient for subsequent mortality based on stable angina pectoris risk scores. PMID18061078 For the algorithm for the initial evaluation of patients with clinical symptoms of angina see figure 1 

Figure 1 Algorithm for the initial evaluation of patients with clinical symptoms of angina PMID:16735367

CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY

Coronary angiography (CAG) can assist in the diagnosis and the identification of treatment options for stable angina pectoris. During CAG, the coronary anatomy is visualized including the presence of coronary luminal stenoses. A catheter is inserted into the femoral artery or into the radial artery. The tip of the catheter is positioned at the beginning of the coronary arteries and contrast fluid is injected. The contrast is made visible by X ray and the images that are obtained are called angiograms. If stenoses are visible, the operator will judge whether this stenosis is significant and eligible for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Ideally PCI happens immediately following the CAG but not all hospitals are entitled to carry out revascularization procedures.

TREATMENT

Stable angina pectoris can be treated by revascularization (PCI or CABG) or optimal medical therapy. The choice depends on factors such as the severity of symptoms and anatomical complexity of the lesion. Current guidelines for myocardial revascularization, recommend revascularization in patients with persistent symptoms despite optimal medical therapy. PMID: 20802248 Furthermore, revascularization is indicated in case of proven large areas of myocardial ischemia, such as a left main stem stenosis, a proximal LAD stenosis or significant three vessel disease. The choice between PCI and CABG depends on the multitude of factors, and the choice should be made in a team including (interventional) cardiologists and thoracic surgeons.

MEDICAL THERAPY

Initial treatment of stable angina pectoris focuses on medication to keep the oxygen demand of the heart as low as possible. β blockers lower heart rate and blood pressure, decreasing the oxygen demand of the heart. PMID 16735367 Nitrates dilatate the coronary arteries so the heart receives more oxygenated blood. PMID 3925741 Antiplatelet therapy (aspirin) reduces the risk of development of a thrombus and thus subsequent (coronary) ischemic events. PMID 9355934 Apart from starting medication the patient needs to minimize/control any present risk factors like smoking, overweight and drinking alcohol. See chronic coronary diseases.

PCI

The procedure of PCI is similar to a CAG, except this time a catheter with an inflatable balloon will be brought at the site of the stenosis. Inflation of the balloon within the coronary artery will crush the atherosclerosis and eliminate the stenosis. To prevent collaps of the arteric wall and restenosis, a stent is often positioned at the site of the stenosis.

CABG

There are circumstances in which CABG should be considered, including left main or proximal LAD stenosis or multiple vessel disease. The choice for PCI or CABG depends on multiple patient and lesion characteristics and should be discussed in a specialized heart team involving cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons. With CABG, a bypass is placed around the stenosis using the internal thoracic arteries or the saphenous veins from the legs. The bypass originates proximal from the stenosis and terminates distally from the stenosis.

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