The burden of treating stable angina is vast, as it is estimated that almost 2 million people currently have or have had angina in the UK (Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC), 2006). Angina is the main symptom of myocardial ischaemia, usually caused by atherosclerotic obstructive coronary artery disease, restricting bloodflow and therefore oxygen delivery to the heart muscle (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2011). Characteristic features of stable angina include tightness or heaviness across the chest, which can radiate to the left arm, neck, jaw and back. However, it is important to be aware that some people present with atypical symptoms. A diagnosis of stable angina can be based on clinical assessment alone or with the addition of diagnostic testing. Diagnosic tests used in this instance can include: exercise testing, computerised tomography (CT), myocardial perfusion scanning and stress echocardiography, in addition to blood tests and electrocardiogram which all patients will undergo. Management of angina includes medical therapy, the aim of which is to help reduce symptoms and prevent cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke (Montalescot et al, 2013). Guidelines on stable angina by NICE (2011) and the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) (Montalescot et al, 2013) provide us with recommendations on which medications should be prescribed. Lifestyle changes are a key aspect of angina management: namely in the areas of diet, exercise, smoking, diabetes, hypertension and psychological issues.

Julie Bellchambers - Clinical Nurse Specialist in Cardiology, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Harefield Hospital, Middlesex

Sally Deane - Clinical Nurse Specialist in Cardiology, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Harefield Hospital, Middlesex

Alison Pottle - Nurse Consultant in Cardiology, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Harefield Hospital, Middlesex