PATHOLOGIES
UNSTABLE ANGINA
Unstable angina is a serious condition where chest pain or discomfort occurs unpredictably and is not triggered by physical activity or stress, as in stable angina. It indicates a sudden reduction in blood flow to the heart, often due to the partial blockage or rupture of plaques in the coronary arteries. Unstable angina is considered a medical emergency because it significantly increases the risk of a heart attack or other life-threatening cardiac events.
UNSTABLE ANGINA
Symptoms of unstable angina include chest pain or pressure that occurs at rest, lasts longer than usual (more than 10 minutes), or does not respond to rest or medications like nitroglycerin. The pain may radiate to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back, and can be accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, or a sense of impending doom. Unlike stable angina, the pattern of pain in unstable angina is irregular and may worsen over time.
Diagnosis involves a physical exam, medical history review, and tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) to detect heart rhythm abnormalities, blood tests to check for cardiac enzymes, and imaging studies like angiography or stress tests to assess blood flow and artery blockages.
Treatment for unstable angina focuses on restoring blood flow and preventing a heart attack. Medications such as antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin), blood thinners, beta-blockers, and nitrates may be used. In more severe cases, procedures like angioplasty with stent placement or coronary artery bypass surgery may be required.
