Unstable angina

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Coronary artery balloon angioplasty - series

Unstable angina

Alternative Names:

Accelerating angina; New-onset angina; Angina - unstable; Progressive angina
Treatment:

An individual experiencing unstable angina usually requires rest and hospitalization to prevent complications.

A cornerstone of therapy for unstable angina is antiplatelet medication (to prevent platelet aggregation, which is the initial event in the blood circulation leading to clot formation within a vessel). One antiplatelet agent widely used is aspirin.

text continues below

More recently, a medication called clopidogrel has shown in clinical studies to be even more effective than aspirin in reducing the likelihood of heart attacks. Clopidogrel and aspirin may be used together. They are also often administered during heart attacks.

Heparin and nitroglycerin are also given during unstable angina, often sublingually (under the tongue) or intravenously (IV). Other medications include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, anti-anxiety medications, and medications to control blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms.

Surgery may be recommended. CABG (coronary artery bypass grafting) or PTCA (balloon angioplasty), often with the implantation of a stent, may be necessary.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome varies depending on many factors. The most important factor is the severity of the underlying coronary artery disease. Other factors include the severity of the episode, past history of heart attack, and the number of medications a patient was taking when the episode began. Associated arrythmias and heart attacks can cause sudden death.

Complications:

Complications of unstable angina include progression to an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if any of the symptoms described above appear.