The submitted review deals with contemporary possibilities of antianginal treatment. After a brief account of pathophysiological and morphological data in different types of cardiac ischaemia and angina pectoris the author submits algorithms which should be the basis for therapeutic decisions. It is a question of proper timing of invasive examinations leading to revascularization operations in relation to medicamentous treatment. The latter is supplementary treatment before or after revascularization, or is the main approach in case of minimal complaints, in case of contraindicated invasive treatment or in case of an inoperable finding. The author discusses the action, indications, contraindications, undesirable effects, and average dosage of nitrates, beta-blockers, calcium channel inhibitors and antithrombotics. The author mentions also the use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. View on treatment will change with advancing knowledge.

Keywords: Adrenergic beta-Antagonists /therapeutic use/; Angina Pectoris /drug therapy/; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors /therapeutic use/; Calcium Channel Blockers /therapeutic use/; Humans; Nitrates /therapeutic use/