THE PROGNOSIS OF ANGINA PECTORIS

Abstract

Despite the proverbial uncertainty of the outlook for life in the presence of angina pectoris, it is of distinct value in the practice of medicine to have some idea of average expectation in general, as well as at different ages and under various circumstances. It is helpful for the doctor to know something of this, as well as for the patient himself and for his family, rather than to leave merely the impression that prediction is impossible and that the Sword of Damocles may fall at any moment. Such a state of affairs is for many persons so paralyzing that they are prone to sit for many years awaiting the end, unable to carry on a useful or happy life, or else, hardened by the thought, they may lead a reckless existence which can in truth hasten their end. Routine experience during the last decade having strongly suggested that the