Revascularization in stable coronary artery disease.

Management of stable coronary artery disease (CAD) centers on medication to prevent myocardial infarction and death. Many anti-anginal medications also have benefit for reducing symptoms, and have been proven to be effective against placebo control. Before effective preventive medications were available, patients with stable CAD often underwent revascularization with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), on the plausible assumption that these procedures would prevent adverse events and reduce symptoms. However, recent randomized controlled trials have cast doubt on these assumptions.Considering results from the recent ISCHEMIA trial, we discuss the evidence base that underpins revascularization for stable CAD in contemporary practice. We also focus on patient groups at high risk of myocardial infarction and death, for whom revascularization is often recommended. We outline the areas of uncertainty, unanswered research questions, and key areas of potential miscommunication in doctor-patient consultations.

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Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts

Competing interests: All authors have completed the competing interest form (available on request from the corresponding author) and declare: Rasha Al-Lamee and Michael Foley have received speakers’ honorariums from Menarini Pharmaceuticals. Rasha Al-Lamee has received speakers’ honorariums from Phillips Volcano and Abbott Vascular. All other authors declare no competing interests.