Expert Committee
Kim Fox, Chairperson
Caroline A. Daly, Jose L. Lopez Sendon, Luigi Tavazzi, Eric Boersma, Nicholas Danchin, Francois Delahaye, Anselm Gitt, Desmond Julian, David Mulcahy, Witold Ruzyllo, Kristian Thygesen, Freek Verheugt
Protocol Summary
Angina Pectoris is the most prevalent manifestation of coronary artery disease, occurring as an initial presentation of coronary heart disease in almost half of patients. However considerable heterogeneity exists within the angina pectoris population with some individuals enjoying a prognosis not significantly different from that of the general population while others face substantially higher risk of death, MI and other cardiovascular events. In view of these differences, prognostic assessment and risk stratification are important components of investigation and management, helping to identify those patients who have most to benefit from revascularization and other therapies.
The survey is designed as a multicentre European prospective observational study, involving 300 to 500 centres in approximately 24 countries and aims to establish a snapshot of the diagnosis and management practices current across Europe in angina pectoris. A follow up survey at one year will allow further evaluation of current practices and will also allow comparison between outcomes in regions with different patterns of practice.
Objectives of the Main survey
- To identify the pattern of presentation of incident angina in the sample of medical centres in representative member countries.
- To compare patient characteristics with those in randomised and non-randomised clinical trials and registries.
- To establish the investigative procedures and treatment plans initiated in the individual centres and identify if differences exist between centres and regions.
- To compare the investigations undertaken and treatment(s) commenced to those recommended by existing guidelines.
- To determine the reasons for differences between centres/regions.
Objectives of the one-year follow-up
- To determine outcome in terms of mortality and morbidity, including important social consequences such as loss of employment, in angina pectoris.
- To evaluate the type and timing of investigations performed, and the effect this has (if any) on clinical or social outcome.
- To evaluate the types of treatment or revascularization and timing of their usage in each centre and region and the effect this has on clinical or social outcome.
- To compare the findings with existing guidelines and recommendations.