The clinical characteristics and investigations planned in patients with stable angina presenting to cardiologists in Europe: from the Euro Heart Survey of Stable Angina

Abstract

Considerable variation in features at presentation and use of investigations has been identified in the stable angina population in Europe. The evaluation of biochemical cardiovascular risk factors was suboptimal. Overall rates of non-invasive investigation for angina and the clinical appropriateness of factors predictive of the use of invasive investigation were broadly in line with guidelines. However, the influence of access to facilities, and marked international variation in rates and timing of investigation suggest that factors unrelated to clinical need are also influential in the management of patients with stable angina.