Stable angina versus unstable angina
Angina (chest pain) can be stable or unstable.
- Stable angina occurs at predictable times with a specific amount of exertion or activity. It is relieved by rest and may continue without much change for years. Stable angina usually is relieved by rest within 1 to 5 minutes.
- Unstable angina may occur as:
Unstable angina means that blood flow has gotten worse because of increased narrowing or small blood clots that form in the coronary arteries. Unstable angina is a warning sign that a heart attack may soon occur, and immediate medical evaluation is required.
- A change in the usual pattern of stable angina.
- Chest pain that occurs at rest or with less and less exertion, that may be more severe and last longer, or that is less responsive to nitroglycerin.
- The onset of angina in a person who previously did not have it.
Signs of unstable angina
- Chest pain began within the past 2 months and has suddenly become more frequent or severe.
- New chest pain occurs 3 or more times per day.
- Chest pain develops after less and less exertion.
- Chest pain occurs at rest (with no obvious exertion or stress); it may awaken you from sleep.
- Chest pain is less responsive to nitroglycerin.
| Author: | Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: February 26, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology | |
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