First Effort Angina: Second Wind in Angina Pectoris

The ability of certain patients subject to angina pectoris at the beginning of a particular effort thereafter to undertake further and even greater exertion without pain has been recognized since Heberden's time, and was compared by Wenckebach with the " second wind " of athletes. My attention was first directed to this phenomenon by three striking examples, in which strenuous athletic activity, squash racquets, ice hockey, and fencing, could be carried on after initial difficulty due to angina pectoris. With interest thus aroused it was found that the condition is by no means uncommon.