NICE has produced a quality standard for stable angina that aims to help improve the diagnosis, care and treatment of the condition. There are currently estimated to be around two million people in England who have, or have had, angina.
Symptoms of stable angina gradually develop over time and follow a predictable pattern. Clinical management of the condition aims to stop or minimise symptoms, and to improve quality of life, and long-term morbidity and mortality. The new quality standard contains five statements that cover the full pathway of care for the condition, including the statement that people with features of typical or atypical angina and an estimated likelihood of coronary artery disease of 10%-90% are offered diagnostic investigation according to that likelihood. Further statements say that people with stable angina are offered a short-acting nitrate and either a beta-blocker or calcium-channel blocker as first-line treatment. The standard additionally states that people with stable angina are prescribed a short-acting nitrate and one or two anti-anginal drugs, as necessary, before revascularisation is considered. NICE has also produced support for commissioners to help implement the quality standard and the recommendations from the NICE clinical guideline on stable angina. The support tool covers the commissioning implications and potential resource impact of implementing each of the five statements in the quality standard.
