Stable angina :Introduction to NICE Testing Recommendations

Stable angina is characterized by chest pain or discomfort, typically triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress, which may radiate to the neck, jaw, shoulders, or arms. It is the result of myocardial ischemia, usually caused by atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, restricting blood flow to the heart. While chest pain is the hallmark symptom, some individuals may experience atypical presentations such as breathlessness, gastrointestinal discomfort, or nausea.

Angina affects a significant portion of the population, with an estimated 2 million people in England currently diagnosed or having a history of the condition. The prevalence increases with age, with men more commonly affected than women. Managing stable angina aims to minimize symptoms, improve quality of life, and reduce the risk of acute coronary events or death through lifestyle modifications, pharmacological treatments, and revascularization techniques.

The diagnosis and testing recommendations for stable angina, as outlined by NICE, are based on a comprehensive evaluation of available treatments, balancing the benefits of medical management with revascularization approaches such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Advances in both drug therapies and revascularization techniques, including the use of drug-eluting stents, have refined the approach to managing stable angina, improving outcomes for...