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Illustrated Health Encyclopedia
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Ency. home > Disease > U > Unstable angina

Unstable angina   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

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

Treatment

Complications of unstable angina include sustaining an acute MI without warning, or sudden death from lethal arrhythmias.

In this way, unstable angina is a severe condition. An individual experiencing unstable angina usually requires hospitalization. The goals of treatment include reduction of symptoms and prevention of complications.

Rest if chest pain occurs.

Aspirin, heparin, and nitroglycerin (often by paste or intravenously) are given during an attack. 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) may be necessary.

New anti-platelet medications are being used in unstable angina. They are often used in combination with PTCA.

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 had already been taking when the episode began.

Ency. home > Disease > U > Unstable angina

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