UNSTABLE ANGINA

TYPES

There are two kinds of angina, namely,  stable and unstable angina.

Stable angina happens commonly while unstable angina is a type of chest pain that happens during too much effort or stress.

Angina implies that there are serious blockages in the arteries providing your heart with blood and oxygen. It should have prompt medical treatment. If  left untreated, unstable angina can cause heart attack, heart failure, or arrhythmias. These can be dangerous conditions.

SYMPTOMS

The primary symptom of angina is chest discomfort and pain. The sensation may differ depending upon the individual.

Symptoms of angina may include:

• Pain with pressure on the chest, crushing, or having a sharp feeling
• Pain that runs to your  left side or back of the body
• Nausea
• Anxiety
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Unexplained weakness

DIAGNOSIS

You doctor will do a physical exam that will include checking your blood  pressure. They may use different methods to confirm unstable angina:

• Blood tests
• Electrocardiogram
• Echocardiography
• Stress tests
• Computed tomography angiography
• Coronary angiography
• Heart catheterization

TREATMENT

Treatment for unstable angina relies upon the seriousness of your condition.

The following are the treatment options:

• Medicines that your doctor may prescribe are aspirin, heparin, or clopidogrel
• Medical procedures like surgery to open up the blockage in your blood vessels help enhance blood supply to the heart
• Changes to lifestyle
• Exercising more
• Diminish and manage stress
• Quit old habits like smoking, overeating, and drinking alcoholic beverages