Conceptualization and Measurement of Physiologic Health for Adults

Angina is a common, serious manifestation of arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease typically characterized by short-term episodic chest pain upon exertion. Data on its prevalence and adverse consequences are used in the Health Insurance Study (HIS) to investigate the effect of different levels of insurance on health status and quality of care because of its common occurrence (particularly among older adults), positive response to treatment, and impact on well-being. This volume reviews pertinent medical literature, details the HIS definition of angina, describes HIS methods for measuring its presence and impact on people's lives, presents and discusses the enrollment data from the six HIS sites, and outlines quality-of-care criteria. Of 5,713 adults responding to angina-related questions, 70 (1.2 percent) were classified as having the condition. Of these 70, more than three-quarters reported pain or worry, and nearly one-half restricted their activities because of angina.