[Silent ischemia. Therapeutic strategy].

"Painless" or silent myocardial ischemia is common and may be associated with all types of coronary insufficiency. Repeated ischemia impairs the functional and anatomical status of the ventricle and the aim of the treatment of coronary insufficiency must be to reduce not only pain, when present, but also ischemia. A distinction must be drawn between: 1) Painless ischemia after myocardial infarction occurring in a high risk group. This requires investigation of the patient, medical treatment and, according to results, angioplasty or surgery. 2) Painless ischemia associated with stable or unstable angina. It is known that in stable angina 50 per cent of ischemia attacks are painless and that complete treatment must seek to reduce the duration of ischemia. Treatment is adjusted on the basis of the results of investigations and the severity of ischemia. 3) Silent ischemia alone which requires precise diagnostic evaluation and assessment of risk based upon the patient's condition.