What should you know about cause of unstable angina?

The heart muscle needs a steady supply of oxygen-rich blood. Narrowing from fatty deposits can limit that supply, while a surface change in the deposit can encourage a clot to form. The resulting shortage may happen at rest or with less activity than before. High blood pressure can strain artery walls and contribute to the process. Symptoms may include chest pressure, tightness, discomfort spreading to an arm, jaw or back, breathlessness, sweating, or nausea. Unstable angina is not the same as a confirmed heart attack, but it can signal a serious change in blood flow.

Treat new, worsening, more frequent or rest-related chest symptoms as urgent. Stop exertion, sit upright, and seek emergency medical help rather than driving yourself. Clinicians may use an Electrocardiogram, blood tests and other assessments to distinguish unstable angina from a heart attack. Treatment may address clot formation, artery narrowing, blood pressure and cholesterol, depending on the findings. Do not start, stop or share heart medicines without medical advice.

Call emergency services immediately for chest pressure or tightness that is severe, new, persistent, occurs at rest, or returns after easing. Urgent help is also needed with breathlessness, fainting, marked sweating, nausea, or discomfort spreading to the arm, jaw, shoulder or back. Even if symptoms settle, prompt assessment is needed because the cause cannot be judged safely from the sensation alone.

Ask what tests were done, whether the pattern fits unstable angina or another cause, and which warning signs should trigger emergency help. You can also ask how Hypertension, Blood Pressure Medication or Statin Therapy may affect your plan.