Silent myocardial ischemia: definition, magnitude, and scope of the problem.

In this introductory article, silent myocardial ischemia is defined, and the magnitude and scope of the problem that it presents are discussed. Topics covered include the type of patient who has silent myocardial ischemia, the prevalence of silent myocardial ischemia, the importance of the symptom of angina pectoris, documentation of silent myocardial ischemia, provoking or trigger factors for the condition, and prognostic implications of silent myocardial ischemia.