CORONARY HEART DISEASE AND ANGINA PECTORIS: GLOBAL BURDEN AND THERAPEUTIC CHALLENGES

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, accounting for a substantial proportion of deaths and disability across all populations. Among the various clinical manifestations of CVD, angina pectoris is one of the most common and recognizable symptoms in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). The presence of angina reflects underlying myocardial ischemia and is associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events, including heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. Despite this, evidence indicates that conventional medical or surgical interventions aimed primarily at relieving anginal symptoms do not necessarily reduce the risk of myocardial infarction or death from cardiovascular causes. Coronary heart disease, in particular, continues to represent the primary cause of cardiovascular mortality worldwide. This highlights the ongoing need for therapeutic strategies that not only improve symptom control but also target the underlying pathophysiology of CHD to enhance long-term outcomes and overall survival.