A critical phase in coronary heart disease, unstable angina, is thoroughly discussed in contributions by well-known experts. Since myocardial infarction still belongs to the main causes of death, this topic is highly relevant for the present research and possible future treatment of coronary heart disease. The major recent advances made in the pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapy of unstable angina are reported in depth.

I. Pathophysiology of Unstable Angina.- The Vascular Endothelium: Interactions with Hemostatic Mechanisms (Platelets Coagulation, Fibrinolysis).- Synergetics of Fluid-Dynamic and Biochemical Catastrophe Reactions in Coronary Artery Thrombosis.- Coronary Morphology in Unstable Angina.- Evidence for Intracoronary Thrombosis in Patients with Unstable Angina Pectoris.- Platelet Activation in Patients with Unstable Angina.- Detection of Myocardial Cell Damage in Patients with Unstable Angina by Serodiagnostic Tools.- II. Clinical Findings in Unstable Angina.- Unstable Angina: A Classification.- Coronary Angiographic Findings in the Acute Coronary Syndromes.- The Value of Coronary Endoscopy in Patients with Stable and Unstable Angina Pectoris.- The Role of Coronary Vasomotion in the Pathophysiology of Unstable Angina.- Findings in Myocardial Ischemia by Metabolic Imaging with Positron Emission Tomography.- Silent Myocardial Ischemia and Prognosis in Patients with Unstable Angina.- III. Management of Unstable Angina - Medical and Interventional Therapy.- Calcium Antagonists and Beta-Blockers in the Treatment of Unstable Angina.- Antiplatelet Therapy in Unstable Angina: Rationale, Effectiveness, and Dosage.- Nitrate Therapy in Unstable Angina Pectoris.- Heparin and Aspirin in the Treatment of Unstable Angina.- Thrombolysis in Patients with Unstable Angina.- Coronary Angioplasty in Unstable Angina.- Surgical Treatment of Unstable Angina.- The Endangered Elephant Enters Cardiology: Lessons for Unstable Angina.