International Study of Comparative Health Effectiveness with Medical and Invasive Approaches (ISCHEMIA)

David J. Maron, MDa, Judith S. Hochman, MDb, Sean M. O’Brien, PhDc et al. American Heart Journal 201 (2018) 124–135.

This important NIH funded study – ISCHEMIA – was initiated in 2012 and included over 5,000 patients. The results were reported at the 2019 AHA Scientific Sessions this week in Philadelphia.  ISCHEMIA provided compelling results: an initial invasive strategy of routine catheterization and revascularization did not demonstrate a reduction of risk for clinical events compared to an initial conservation strategy of optimal medical therapy (OMT) in patients with stable, moderate-to-severe angina.  This trial is critical to all clinicians as we continue to provide preventive cardiovascular therapies to all patients with angina and those with cardiovascular risk factors. Please read the full article as it has important guidelines for clinical care.