Improving quality of life for patients with angina pectoris - A team approach to disease management

The evaluation of outcome of management of patients with angina pectoris is now inextricably linked with an assessment of quality of life. Angina pect oris, as a manifestation of coronary heart disease, is a major cause of mor bidity and mortality in many countries. Optimal management of patients with angina pectoris is of undeniable national and global significance. This paper indicates the importance of a team approach and the implications for patients' quality of life of involving professionals with a variety of different skills. Current guidelines for the management of patients with a ngina pectoris include aspects of diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation w hich involve multi-professional input. A wide variety of factors have relev ance to the management of patients as individuals. A coordinated team appro ach should lead to improved quality of life and reduced severity of symptom s for these patients and benefit for both the individual and society.