Unstable angina patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention in the new millennium: what characterizes them?

Arq Bras Cardiol. 2007 Jan;88(1):26-30. doi: 10.1590/s0066-782x2007000100004.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

Objective: To identify clinical and angiographic profiles of patients with unstable angina seen at a tertiary hospital and treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods: Study of a consecutive series of 1413 patients, selected from a computerized database, who underwent percutaneous revascularization in the three-year period of 2002-2004. There were no inclusion/exclusion criteria.

Results: Systemic arterial hypertension (74%) and hypercholesterolemia (65%) were the classical risk factors for coronary disease most frequently observed. Coronary artery bypass grafting and history of myocardial infarction were found in 24% and 28% of the cases, respectively. The subgroups most commonly treated were the IIB (48%) and IIIB (28%). Clopidogrel was prescribed for 51% of the patients and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, for 7%. Multivessel disease evidenced by coronary angiography was detected in 42% of the cases. Type B2 or C lesions were treated in 64%, 94% of which in native vessels. Restenotic lesions were dilated in 5% of the patients. All interventions were performed using coronary stents, the majority of which (67%) were standard bare-metal stents.

Conclusions: 1) Subgroups IIB and IIIB were the most frequently treated (76%); 2) Clopidogrel was the most prescribed antithrombotic agent (51%); 3) Multivessel coronary artery disease was found in 42% of the cases, most of which were complex target lesions located in native vessels; 4) Coronary stent implantation was the chief dilation technique used.

MeSH terms

  • Angina, Unstable / classification
  • Angina, Unstable / therapy*
  • Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary*
  • Female
  • Fibrinolytic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Heparin / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Stents*

Substances

  • Fibrinolytic Agents
  • Heparin