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Chronic stable angina — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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HardInternal Medicine (chronic management)Chronic stable anginaUSMLE Step 3

A 62-year-old man with stable angina has exertional chest tightness twice weekly. He takes aspirin, high-intensity atorvastatin, and sublingual nitroglycerin. Resting heart rate is 84/min and blood pressure is 138/82 mm Hg. ECG is unchanged from baseline and troponin is negative. Which of the following would you recommend at the follow-up visit?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Start a beta blocker for symptom control

Beta blockers are first-line antianginal therapy for chronic stable angina, especially with elevated resting heart rate. Risk-factor modification and antiplatelet/statin therapy continue.

Reference: ACC/AHA chronic coronary disease guideline