What is the difference between stable angina and unstable angina?

Stable angina is when you get angina symptoms during moderate physical activity or when you are pushing yourself physically. These symptoms go away with rest and/or medication. Unstable angina is when you get angina symptoms while doing very little or resting.

What triggers unstable angina?

Blood clots that block an artery partially or totally are what causes unstable angina. Blood clots may form, partially dissolve, and later form again and angina can occur each time a clot blocks blood flow in an artery.

How long can I live with unstable angina?

Usually, angina becomes more stable within eight weeks. In fact, people who are treated for unstable angina can live productive lives for many years. Coronary artery disease can be very difficult to deal with emotionally.

How is unstable angina managed?

The standard of therapy in patients with unstable angina now incorporates the combined use of potent antithrombotic (aspirin, clopidogrel, heparin and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists) and anti-anginal (β-blockade and intravenous nitrates) regimens complemented by the selective and judicious application of …

Is unstable angina pain constant?

Unstable angina is increasing unpredictable chest pain. It is less common than stable angina. Unstable angina pain doesn’t follow a pattern, can happen without exertion, and doesn’t go away by resting or taking medicine.

How serious is unstable angina?

An attack of unstable angina is an emergency and you should seek immediate medical treatment. If left untreated, unstable angina can lead to heart attack, heart failure, or arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms). These can be life-threatening conditions.

Does unstable angina show up on ECG?

Unstable angina results from acute obstruction of a coronary artery without myocardial infarction. Symptoms include chest discomfort with or without dyspnea, nausea, and diaphoresis. Diagnosis is by ECG and the presence or absence of serologic markers.

What is the best treatment for unstable angina?

During an unstable angina event: You may get heparin (or another blood thinner) and nitroglycerin (under the tongue or through an IV). Other treatments may include medicines to control blood pressure, anxiety, abnormal heart rhythms, and cholesterol (such as a statin drug).

What does it mean when you have stable angina?

Angina Pectoris (Stable Angina) This usually happens because one or more of the heart’s arteries is narrowed or blocked, also called ischemia. Angina usually causes uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest. You may also feel the discomfort in your neck, jaw, shoulder, back or arm.

What does angina pectoris mean in medical terms?

Angina pectoris is the medical term for chest pain or discomfort due to coronary heart disease . It occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t get as much blood as it needs.

What kind of medication do you take for unstable angina?

If you take nitroglycerin, a medication that enhances blood flow, for relief during a stable angina attack, you may find the medicine doesn’t work during an unstable angina attack. How is unstable angina diagnosed?

What kind of test is used to diagnose unstable angina?

Because coronary angiography helps your doctor visualize any artery narrowing and blockages, it’s one of the most common tests they use to diagnose unstable angina. How is unstable angina treated?