Management of stable angina and unstable angina/non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Angina is the commonest manifestation of ischaemic heart disease and is associated with a significant morbidity and mortality. With appropriate treatment both can be considerably reduced. The incidence of unstable angina and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction has increased greatly in recent years: primarily due to the widespread availability of sensitive and specific markers of myocardial cell necrosis. Improvements in diagnosis have been matched by a greater ability to risk stratify patients and better target therapy, including an increased use of early percutaneous coronary intervention and more intensive anti-platelet regimes.