Unstable Angina

A critical phase in coronary heart disease, unstable angina, is thoroughly discussed in contributions by well-known experts. Since myocardial infarction still belongs to the main causes of death, this topic is highly relevant for the present research and possible future treatment of coronary heart disease. The major recent advances made in the pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapy of unstable angina are reported in depth. Front Matter....Pages I-XI Front Matter....Pages 1-1 The Vascular Endothelium: Interactions with Hemostatic Mechanisms (Platelets, Coagulation, Fibrinolysis)....Pages 3-15 Synergetics of Fluid-Dynamic and Biochemical Catastrophe Reactions in Coronary Artery Thrombosis....Pages 16-51 Coronary Morphology in Unstable Angina....Pages 52-59 Evidence for Intracoronary Thrombosis in Patients with Unstable Angina Pectoris....Pages 60-80 Platelet Activation in Patients with Unstable Angina....Pages 81-91 Detection of Myocardial Cell Damage in Patients with Unstable Angina by Serodiagnostic Tools....Pages 92-100 Front Matter....Pages 101-101 Unstable Angina: A Classification....Pages 103-111 Coronary Angiographic Findings in the Acute Coronary Syndromes....Pages 112-128 The Value of Coronary Endoscopy in Patients with Stable and Unstable Angina Pectoris....Pages 129-138 The Role of Coronary Vasomotion in the Pathophysiology of Unstable Angina....Pages 139-149 Findings in Myocardial Ischemia by Metabolic Imaging with Positron Emission Tomography....Pages 150-165 Silent Myocardial Ischemia and Prognosis in Patients with Unstable Angina....Pages 166-174 Front Matter....Pages 175-175 Calcium Antagonists and Beta-Blockers in the Treatment of Unstable Angina....Pages 177-185 Antiplatelet Therapy in Unstable Angina: Rationale, Effectiveness, and Dosage....Pages 186-202 Nitrate Therapy in Unstable Angina Pectoris....Pages 203-213 Heparin and Aspirin in the Treatment of Unstable Angina....Pages 214-224 Thrombolysis in Patients with Unstable Angina....Pages 225-234 Coronary Angioplasty in Unstable Angina....Pages 235-244 Surgical Treatment of Unstable Angina....Pages 245-254 The Endangered Elephant Enters Cardiology: Lessons for Unstable Angina....Pages 255-265 Back Matter....Pages 267-270