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Unstable Angina Causes & Treatment

Author: Analgesia logo

Last Updated on February 10, 2025 by Analgesia team

Unstable Angina Medical Term

Unstable angina is a medical condition that occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t receive enough oxygen and blood flow. It’s a type of chest pain that can lead to a heart attack and requires immediate medical attention. 

Unstable angina is caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries, which are the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart.

Symptoms include:

    • Chest painPain that feels like squeezing, tightness, burning, crushing, aching, or choking. It can feel like pressure or a dull ache.
    • Pain that lasts longer than 20 minutesPain that persists or comes and goes.
    • Pain that worsensPain that increases in severity.
    • Pain that occurs at restPain that happens when you’re not exerting yourself, like while sleeping or sitting quietly.
    • Pain that doesn’t respond to medicinePain that doesn’t improve with rest or medication, like nitroglycerin.
    • Pain that spreadsPain that radiates to the arm, jaw, back, neck, shoulders, or stomach.
    • Shortness of breathDifficulty breathing.
    • SweatingExcessive sweating.
    • AnxietyFeeling anxious.
    • DizzinessFeeling dizzy.
    • Nausea and vomitingFeeling sick to your stomach or vomiting.
    • FatigueFeeling tired
Unstable angina attacks can be unpredictable and continue even while resting. They can also occur with or without physical exertion. 

Causes of Unstable Angina

      • Atherosclerosis

        A buildup of plaque in the arteries that narrows and stiffens them. This can lead to blood clots that block the artery. 

      • Coronary artery spasms

        The muscles in the heart’s arteries tighten, temporarily narrowing the arteries and blocking blood flow. 

      • Microvascular dysfunction
        Damage to the small arteries that branch off the larger coronary arteries. This can prevent the arteries from expanding when the heart needs more oxygen.
        Blood clots

        A blood clot can block an artery, especially if the artery has plaque buildup. 

        Unstable angina is caused by a number of conditions that reduce blood flow to the heart, including:

    Other risk factors for unstable angina include: 

    • Diabetes
    • High blood pressure
    • High cholesterol
    • Smoking
    • Substance abuse
    • Family history
    • Chronic kidney disease
    • Anemia

    Treatments for unstable angina includes

  • Unstable angina is treated with medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgeryThe goal of treatment is to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. 

    Medications 

      • NitroglycerinCan be taken under the tongue or through an IV
      • Blood thinnersSuch as heparin, enoxaparin, or clopidogrel
      • Beta blockersSuch as propranolol or atenolol, these drugs reduce the force and rate of your heartbeat
      • Cholesterol-lowering medicationsSuch as statins or PCSK9 inhibitors
    • Anti-anginal medicationsSuch as nitrates
    • Medications to control blood pressureSuch as antihypertensives
    • Medications to control anxietySuch as anxiolytics
    • Medications to control abnormal heart rhythmsSuch as antiarrhythmics

    Lifestyle changes 

    • Eat nutritious food
    • Get regular physical activity
    • Avoid tobacco products
    • Manage conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol

    Surgery 

    Other therapies 

    • Enhanced external counter pulsation (EECP) therapy may be recommended if other treatments don’t work

    Other types of heart attacks include:

     

 

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