CLINICAL FEATURES AND FOLLOW-UP OF PATIENTS WITH ANGINA AND NORMAL CORONARY ARTERIES

The clinical findings in 45 patients with angina and normal coronary arteries are reviewed. The primary site, radiation, and character of the pain were typical of angina but the pain was atypical in its relation to stress, frequency of occurrence, relief with rest, and response to nitroglycerin. 22 had abnormal electrocardiograms with evidence of past myocardial infarction in 3. 5 had abnormal exercise tests. During a two-year follow up period there were no further myocardial infarctions and anginal pain either disappeared or improved in 73%. It is concluded that patients with angina and normal coronary arteries can often be distinguished clinically and that they have a good prognosis.