Effects of antecedent anginal episodes and coronary artery stenosis on left ventricular function during coronary occlusion

We evaluated the effects of antecedent anginal episodes and coronary artery stenosis on left ventricular function during coronary occlusion and the role of collateral filling in 33 patients with angina pectoris who underwent angioplasty. Wall motion abnormalities were investigated by echocardiography and classified into hypokinesia and akinesia. Collateral filling during angioplasty was evaluated by using a second artery catheter. Akinesia was observed as follows: 24% of the patients had >30 anginal episodes, 38% had 5 to 30, and 87% of the patients had