Medical management of the patient with angina pectoris: an overview of the problem.

The medical management of angina pectoris requires a comprehensive approach to the patient and his family, including attention not only to established physiologic and pharmacologic principles, but also to the emotional aspects of his illness. When comprehensive management is systematically and rigorously applied to the patient with angina pectoris, excellent relief of the symptoms of angina pectoris can be achieved in a high percentage of patients, although there are significant numbers of patients who are refractory to the most intensive management using presently available drugs. The same fundamental principles of care apply to patients with coronary heart disease who undergo aortocoronary bypass surgery and to those treated medically.