UNSTABLE ANGINA - PROGNOSIS, NONINVASIVE RISK ASSESSMENT, AND STRATEGIES FOR MANAGEMENT

Risk stratification in patients with unstable angina is a major clinic al problem with important therapeutic implications. Antiplatelet thera py is clearly effective in reducing the occurrence of myocardial infar ction and death in this syndrome. Interventions including coronary byp ass surgery and angioplasty are frequently recommended for these patie nts, but the most appropriate application of these techniques needs to be further defined. After a brief discussion of the value of medical and interventional therapies, this review focuses on the clinical and noninvasive predictors of adverse events in unstable angina. An overal l management strategy for these patients, based on current information , will be proposed.