Results of a Second-Opinion Trial Among Patients Recommended for Coronary Angiography

In a large fraction of medically stable patients with coronary disease who are urged to undergo coronary angiography, the procedure can be safely deferred. While there may be a limitation in terms of generalizing this experience to all patients with coronary disease, we reasonably conclude that an estimated 50% of coronary angiography currently being undertaken in the United States is unnecessary, or at least could be postponed.