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The conundrum of detecting stable angina pectoris in the community setting

Nature Reviews Cardiology volume 7, pages 106–113 (2010)Cite this article

Abstract

Individuals with undetected stable angina pectoris (SAP) as a consequence of undiagnosed coronary artery disease are at high risk of poor quality of life and a premature fatal event (for example, sudden cardiac death out of hospital). If the extent and distribution of SAP are accurately identified at the population level, clinical screening could potentially be targeted and evaluated to optimize the management and secondary prevention of underlying coronary artery disease. Common measures of SAP in populations have important limitations. Measures chosen to identify such cases should reflect their validity as measures of undiagnosed SAP, currently symptomatic angina or lifetime diagnosis of angina.

Key Points

  • An increasing number of elderly patients are being affected by stable angina pectoris (SAP), the most common manifestation of coronary artery disease

  • Accurate identification of the extent of SAP at the community level will help with the implementation of effective secondary prevention and treatment strategies

  • Estimates of the incidence and prevalence of SAP vary according to the screening methods used

  • Owing to the remitting course of SAP, studies of this disorder in communities should clearly identify whether people with current and/or previously experienced SAP are included

  • A combination of screening measures may yield the most complete identification of cases of SAP

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Acknowledgements

M. Russell was supported by a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) postgraduate award.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, City East Campus, North Terrace, Adelaide, 5000, SA, Australia

    Mary Russell, Marie Williams & Esther May

  2. Preventative Cardiology, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne, 3004, Vic, Australia

    Simon Stewart

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Correspondence to Simon Stewart.

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Russell, M., Williams, M., May, E. et al. The conundrum of detecting stable angina pectoris in the community setting. Nat Rev Cardiol 7, 106–113 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrcardio.2009.226

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