Pathophysiology of angina

Abstract

The development and pathophysiology of myocardial ischaemia is a dynamic process in which increased myocardial oxygen demand or decreased coronary blood flow are not the sole determinants. Both these factors are inappropriately altered before, during, or after the onset of ischaemia, and a vicious cycle ensues. Drug therapy should be aimed at not only preventing the development of myocardial ischaemia but also at reversing the abnormal hormonal, metabolic, and haemodynamic effects.