++
Angina pectoris, the most common clinical manifestation of coronary artery disease (CAD), results from an imbalance between myocardial O2 supply and demand, most often due to atherosclerotic coronary artery obstruction. Other major conditions that upset this balance and result in angina include aortic valve disease (Chap. 116), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (Chap. 117 and coronary artery spasm (see below).
++
Angina is typically associated with exertion or emotional upset; relieved quickly by rest or nitroglycerin (Chap. 33). Major risk factors are cigarette smoking, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia (↑LDL; ↓HDL), diabetes, obesity, and family history of CAD before age 55.
++
Often normal; arterial bruits or retinal vascular abnormalities suggest generalized atherosclerosis; S4 is common. During acute anginal episode, other signs may appear: e.g., an S4, diaphoresis, rales, and a transient murmur of mitral regurgitation due to papillary muscle ischemia.
++
May be normal between anginal episodes or show old infarction (Chap. 113). During angina, ST- and T-wave abnormalities typically appear (ST-segment depression reflects subendocardial ischemia; ST-segment elevation may reflect acute infarction or transient coronary artery spasm). Ventricular arrhythmias frequently accompany acute ischemia.
++
Enhances diagnosis of CAD; exercise is performed on treadmill or bicycle until target heart rate is achieved or pt becomes symptomatic (chest pain, light-headedness, hypotension, marked dyspnea, ventricular tachycardia) or develops diagnostic ST-segment changes. Useful information includes duration of exercise achieved; peak heart rate and bp; depth, morphology, and persistence of ST-segment depression; and whether and at which level of exercise pain, hypotension, or ventricular arrhythmias develop. Exercise testing with radionuclide, echocardiographic, or magnetic resonance imaging increases sensitivity and specificity and is particularly useful if baseline ECG abnormalities prevent interpretation of test. Note: Exercise testing should not be performed in pts with acute MI, unstable angina, or severe aortic stenosis. If the pt is unable to exercise, pharmacologic stress with IV dipyridamole, adenosine, regadenoson, or dobutamine can be performed in conjunction with radionuclide or echocardiographic imaging (Table 123-1). Pts with LBBB on baseline ECG should be referred for adenosine or dipyridamole radionuclide imaging, which is most specific for diagnosis of CAD in this setting.
++