Evaluating symptoms to improve quality of life in patients with chronic stable angina

Abstract

Chronic stable angina (CSA) is a significant problem in the United States that can negatively impact patient quality of life (QoL). An accurate assessment of the severity of a patient's angina, the impact on their functional status, and their risk of cardiovascular complications is key to successful treatment of CSA. Active communication between the patient and their healthcare provider is necessary to ensure that patients receive optimal therapy. Healthcare providers should be aware of atypical symptoms of CSA in their patients, as patients may continue to suffer from angina despite the availability of multiple therapies. Patient questionnaires and symptom checklists can help patients communicate proactively with their healthcare providers. This paper discusses the prevalence of CSA, its impact on QoL, and the tools that healthcare providers can use to assess the severity of their patients' angina and the impact on QoL.

Figure 1

The Speak from the Heart chronic angina checklist and symptom tracker. Available at http://www.speakfromtheheart.com/ (for patients) [27] or at http://www.helpthemspeak.com/ (for healthcare providers).