Angina: current approaches to diagnosis, drug therapy, and surgical referral
Renlund, D.G.; Gerstenblith, G.
Geriatrics 41(1): 35-39; 42 44 Passim
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0016-867X PMID: 2867006 Document Number: 267568
An abnormal resting ST segment renders the stress ECG impossible to interpret. Therefore, one must substitute a radionuclide stress evaluation in the presence of digitalis, left bundle-branch block, left ventricular hypertrophy, a paced rhythm, or any other condition that would cause abnormal baseline ST segments. All these are more common in the elderly. Beta-blocker therapy is useful in patients with demand-related ischemia because it decreases two of the major determinants of myocardial oxygen demand: heart rate and contractility. Propranolol, timolol, and metoprolol have been shown to decrease the reinfarction and mortality rates in patients who have had an infarction.