Value of angina pectoris after myocardial infarction in predicting extent of coronary artery disease.

ABSTRACT

Clinical, hemodynamic, and angiographic data were examined in 53 patients who underwent catheterization within 6 months of documented acute transmural myocardial infarction (MI). The patients were divided into two groups on the basis of presence (23 patients, group I) or absence (30 patients, group II) of angina pectoris 1 month after MI. Group I patients had more severe coronary artery disease and a greater prevalence of multivessel disease than group II patients. Partial preservation of segmental left ventricular wall function in group I was related to the presence of collateral vessels. In patients with single vessel disease, incidence of spontaneous recanalization of the infarct-related artery was more common in group I as compared with those in group II. It is concluded that angina pectoris after MI suggests multivessel disease or infarct-related artery recanalization. Coronary angiography may be advised in these patients in order to select adequate therapeutic interventions and improve prognosis.