[Asymptomatic myocardial ischemia].

The concept, physiopathology, epidemiology, diagnostic procedures, prognosis and treatment of asymptomatic myocardial ischemia are reviewed. Hypotheses given to explain the absence of pain in the presence of myocardial ischemia are analyzed; Cohn's classification of asymptomatic myocardial ischemia is described and complemented with other clinical entities of painless myocardial ischemia. Prevalence of asymptomatic myocardial ischemia in different groups of patients is also discussed as well as the most important characteristics of diagnostic procedures. Finally the prognosis of asymptomatic myocardial ischemia is analyzed and the present therapeutic possibilities are discussed.