Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
The primary factor differentiating unstable angina from stable angina (other than symptoms) is the underlying pathophysiology of the atherosclerosis. The pathophysiology of unstable angina is the reduction of coronary blood flow due to transient platelet aggregation on apparently normal endothelium, coronary artery spasms, or coronary thrombosis.
The pathophysiology of unstable angina is controversial. Previously, unstable angina was assumed to be angina pectoris caused by disruption of an atherosclerotic plaque with partial thrombosis and possibly embolization or vasospasm leading to myocardial ischemia.
In unstable angina, symptoms may appear on rest or on minimal exertion. [6] The symptoms can last longer than those in stable angina, can be resistant to rest or medicine, and can get worse over time. [8] [10] Though ACS is usually associated with coronary thrombosis, it can also be associated with cocaine use. [11]
All right, as a quick recap…. Angina pectoris is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow resulting in a lack of oxygen in the heart muscle. There are three types: stable angina, unstable angina, and vasospastic angina. Rest tends to relieve stable angina, but not the other two types, and all three can be treated with nitroglycerin.
CAD can cause stable angina, unstable angina, myocardial ischemia, [16] and myocardial infarction. [17] A common symptom is angina, which is chest pain or discomfort which may travel into the shoulder, arm, back, neck, or jaw. [4] Occasionally it may feel like heartburn.
Variant angina is caused by vasospasm, a narrowing of the coronary arteries due to contraction of the heart's smooth muscle tissue in the vessel walls. [3] In comparison, stable angina is caused by the permanent occlusion of these vessels by atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of fatty plaque and hardening of the arteries. [4]
Angina may be stable or unstable. Unstable angina is most often associated with emergent, acute coronary syndromes. [20] Angina is typically located below the sternum. [4] Individuals experiencing angina characterize the pain in different ways, but the pain is usually described as crushing, squeezing, or burning. [7]
The majority of individuals experiencing stable angina can effectively address their condition through lifestyle modifications, particularly by embracing smoking cessation and incorporating regular exercise into their routine. Alongside these lifestyle changes, the use of antianginal drugs is a common approach.