Abstract

Of 129 patients with either mitral or aortic valve disease angina was present in 55 (42%). It was more frequent in aortic (60%) than in mitral valve disease (33%). The standard 12-lead electrocardiogram was not helpful in distinguishing underlying occlusive coronary artery disease. Coronary arteriography demonstrated coronary artery disease in 26 patients (20%), only 2 of whom had no angina. The incidence of coronary artery disease was almost identical in both the mitral and aortic groups (22% and 17%, respectively), but the percentage of those with demonstrable coronary artery disease accompanying angina was much higher in the mitral group (67% as against 29%). Angina in mitral valve disorders is thus much more likely to be the result of disease of the coronary arteries. Coronary arteriography is mandatory in all patients in both groups who have angina. Otherwise it seems unnecessary as coronary artery disease was found in only 2 patients who did not have angina.