Unstable angina

Provided by: Healthwise
50% of users found this article helpful.

Unstable angina is chest pain that occurs at rest or with less and less exertion; the pain may become severe and last longer and it may not respond to nitroglycerin or rest.

Unstable angina is a change from stable angina—a pattern of predictable chest pain that is relieved by rest. Unstable angina is a warning sign that blood flow to the heart has become more impaired and that a heart attack may soon occur.

Unstable angina requires immediate medical evaluation.

Author:Jeannette Curtis
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Medical Review:Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated: 05/25/2007

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