[Clinical practice guidelines of the Spanish Society of Cardiology on stable angina]. / Guías de práctica clínica de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología en la angina estable.

Stable angina pectoris is the most common clinical manifestation of chronic ischemic heart disease, the prognosis of which depends on many factors. The authors have analyzed the incidence, evolution and prognosis of this problem in Spain and have reviewed the methods to determine the diagnosis and degree of clinical severity. A careful clinical history, an electrocardiogram, and the evaluation of the severity of the ischemia and left ventricle systolic function are, in most cases, useful to determine the degree of disease severity and establish the prognosis. In other cases, more sophisticated or complex diagnostic techniques such as perfusion tests, stress echocardiography and lastly coronary arteriography, which is the only method currently available to study coronary anatomy are required to carry out an adequate study of the patient. At present, the therapeutic arsenal for the treatment of ischemic coronary disease is extensive, from both a pharmacological and revascularization point of view. Nonetheless it is essential to carry out aggressive therapy to control the risk factors. The decision as to the type of treatment required mainly depends on the severity of the ischemia and in the case of revascularization, on the clinical and anatomical factors as well as on the preferences of the patient and the experience and results of the medical-surgical group involved in the therapy of these patients.