What should you know about the three types of angina?

Stable angina follows a fairly predictable pattern, often appearing with exertion or emotional stress and easing with rest or prescribed medicine. Unstable angina is new, worsening, more frequent, or present at rest; it can signal a heart attack and needs emergency assessment. Variant angina is caused by a temporary tightening of a coronary artery and often occurs at rest, sometimes at night. Chest tightness can occur with angina, but chest tightness has many possible causes and does not by itself identify the type.

If a clinician has given you an angina plan, follow it exactly and keep prescribed medicine available. Record what brings symptoms on, how long they last, and whether they change with rest. Assessment may include an electrocardiogram and other tests chosen for your symptoms and risk factors. Managing blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, diabetes and activity can reduce strain on the heart; medicines such as blood pressure medication or statin therapy may be offered when suitable.

Call emergency services for chest pressure or pain that is severe, new, worsening, occurs at rest, or does not settle with the prescribed plan. Treat breathlessness, sweating, nausea, faintness, or pain spreading to the arm, back, neck or jaw as emergency warning signs. Do not drive yourself. A stable pattern that changes should also be assessed promptly.

Ask which pattern fits your symptoms, how to use prescribed rescue medicine, which activity is appropriate, and which risk factors or tests need follow-up.