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Need To Know: About unstable angina

Unstable angina is a much more serious condition than stable angina because it may quickly progress to a heart attack . Unstable angina is considered synonymous with heart attack because it is difficult to distinguish with early tests whether or not there has been damage to the heart muscle.

It is vitally important for the doctor to make the distinction between stable angina, unstable angina, and a heart attack. This cannot always be done immediately.

Angina may occur during everyday activities such as:

Rapid walking or running
Lifting or carrying a weight
Becoming angry or excited
Shoveling snow
Physical stress after eating (when food is still being digested)
Sexual intercourse (rarely)

The sensation of stable angina usually wears off after the angina-causing activity ends. Attacks typically last for only a few minutes. Symptoms may be worse in cold weather.

Because the sensation of angina is alarming, many people believe they are having a heart attack the first time they experience it. But stable angina is NOT a heart attack. In fact, most people with stable angina respond well to modern treatments and live full lives for many years - if they follow their physician's advice, take medication as prescribed, and learn to look after their hearts.

Although angina therapy is better than ever before, successful treatment depends upon close cooperation between the individual and the healthcare team. The person with angina must assume a lifestyle that minimizes the risk of further heart trouble.

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