In the United States, nearly 17 million people have coronary heart disease (CHD), and nearly 10 million people experience angina pectoris.9 By 2030, the population of patients at risk for angina is projected to increase by 50%.10,11 In addition, those who experience angina have a mean of 2 episodes per week.12 That means that, nationwide, Americans experience nearly 20 million angina episodes each week—or approximately 31 episodes each second.
Chronic angina—not just chest pain
Chronic angina is characterized by chest pain or discomfort associated with exertion or stress, and may also manifest with dyspnea or fatigue.13,14
Chronic angina treatment
The most recent American College of Cardiology (ACC) /American Heart Association (AHA) chronic angina guidelines state that, for most patients, the goal of treatment should be relief of anginal chest pain and return to normal activities and a functional capacity of CCS class I angina.13 However, the COURAGE study demonstrated that one-quarter to one-third of all patients with CAD, despite optimal medical therapy with or without percutaneous coronary intervention have persistent angina/ischemia.15
Patients avoid angina attacks by being less active
Chronic angina patients who previously led active lifestyles may greatly curtail daily activity and physical exertion to avoid angina episodes.16,17 In studies, physical exertion and emotional stress were identified as triggers of angina episodes, and many patients considered angina a warning to slow down.17 Sedentary patients may have significant coronary artery disease (CAD), but may not experience anginal symptoms because of their lack of activity. Physician queries regarding activity level may help to better assess patients' functional status.17
