Nursing research has contributed to our knowledge of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), although much of the research has focused on acute cardiac events. Active and ongoing programs of research into CHD patient outcomes are essential as significant gaps remain. Consistently effective strategies to help patients change risk behaviors, recognize salient symptoms, manage their CHD and ischemic symptoms, improve function and quality of life, and prevent subsequent coronary events are needed, especially in the elderly and those with multiple comorbidities.