Which finding is often used to evaluate the effectiveness of antianginal therapy?

The effectiveness of antianginal therapy is primarily evaluated by the reduction in the frequency of angina attacks. This is because the primary goal of antianginal agents is to alleviate the symptoms of angina, which is characterized by chest pain or discomfort due to inadequate blood flow to the heart. When the therapy is effective, patients typically report fewer episodes of angina, allowing them to engage in their daily activities with reduced limitations.

While factors such as cholesterol levels and weight may influence overall cardiovascular health and can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan, they do not directly reflect the immediate efficacy of antianginal medications in relieving angina symptoms. Monitoring cholesterol levels or changes in body weight can be relevant for long-term cardiovascular risk management, but the immediate impact of therapy is best measured by the reduction in the frequency and severity of angina attacks. Therefore, focusing on the patient's subjective experience of angina provides a clear indication of how well the treatment is working.