Impact of myocardial ischemia on myocardial revascularization in stable ischemic heart disease: Lessons from the COURAGE and FAME 2 trials

In patients with stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD), myocardial revascularization should be performed to either improve survival or improve symptoms and functional status among patients who are not well controlled with optimal medical therapy (OMT). A general consensus exists on the core elements of OMT, which include both lifestyle intervention and intensive secondary prevention with proven pharmacotherapies. By contrast, however, there is less general agreement as to what constitutes the optimal approach to revascularization in SIHD patients. The COURAGE and FAME 2 randomized trials form the foundation of the current clinical evidence base and raise the important question: “What is the impact of myocardial ischemia on myocardial revascularization in stable ischemic heart disease?”