[Incidence and significance of angina pectoris in aortic valve disease].

To determine the incidence and significance of angina pectoris in aortic valve disease, clinical, haemodynamic, and angiographic data concerning 111 consecutive patients aged 27-68 years (mean 52) were retrospectively analysed. 14.4% (group A) had significant, 85.6% (group B) had no coronary heart disease. There was a significant difference between the groups regarding the incidence of typical angina pectoris (62.5% vs 31.6%, p less than 0.01) and freedom from chest pain (12.5% vs 32.6%, p less than 0.05). No difference, however, could be found concerning the incidence of atypical chest pain (25% vs 35.8%). Of 12 patients aged over 50 years with coronary artery disease, no patient was free of angina pectoris. 83% had typical, 17% had atypical angina pectoris. Of 4 patients below 45 years with coronary artery disease, however, none had typical angina pectoris, 2 patients had atypical angina, and 2 patients had none. These results demonstrate that typical angina pectoris in patients with aortic valve disease is not a specific indicator of concomitant significant coronary artery disease. On the other hand, absence of chest pain does not predict absence of coronary artery disease, especially in younger patients. We therefore suggest that coronary angiography be carried out in all adult patients in whom aortic valve surgery is being considered.