Search

An analysis of the results of a study of a group of post-infarction patients who had received group instruction concerning the nature of myocardial infarction, compared with patients not so instructed, is presented. Contrary to expectation, anxiety levels as measured by the Catel IPTA Anxiety Scale were significantly higher in patients who experienced group education. Regardless of this finding, patients were subjectively appreciative of education.

A five-year personal experience of the use of perhexiline maleate (Pexid) in the treatment of severe angina pectoris is presented. Ninety-four patients, all severely incapacitated by cardiac pain, received perhexiline maleate for an average period of 12.2 months. Perhexiline maleate was used either alone or, more commonly, in conjuction with other antianginal therapy, such as beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents. The results demonstrate that perhexiline maleate is a very effective agent which appears to be safe for long-term usage. Side effects have been frequent, and occasionally bothersome, but all have been transient and dose-dependent. The possibility that the regimens of treatment may materially improve long-term prognosis is raised.