Overview
In unstable angina, the heart does not receive sufficient blood flow and oxygen. It might cause a heart attack.
Angina is a form of chest pain caused by inadequate blood flow through the heart muscle’s blood arteries (coronary vessels) (myocardium).
Causes
Blood clots that partially or completely obstruct an artery induce unstable angina. Each time a blood clot obstructs blood flow in an artery, angina might develop. Understand severe blood clotting.
Symptoms
Among the symptoms of unstable angina are:
- Tight or crushing chest discomfort that may extend to other regions of the upper body.
- Chest discomfort that occurs even when you are not physically active.
- Insufficiency of breath
- Persistent chest discomfort despite taking medication.
- Sweating.
- Anxiety.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will undertake a physical checkup that will include a blood pressure check. They may also employ the following tests to confirm unstable angina:
- Blood tests to detect creatine kinase and cardiac biomarkers (troponin) that can leak from injured heart muscle.
- Electrocardiogram, to detect heartbeat rhythms that may suggest diminished blood flow
- Echocardiography, to generate pictures of your heart that provide indications of blood flow abnormalities
- Stress testing, to make it simpler to diagnose angina by causing the heart to work harder
- Angiography by computed tomography
- Coronary angiography and cardiac catheterization to examine the health and quality of the arteries
Due to the fact that coronary angiography enables your physician to view any arterial narrowing and blockages, it is one of the most often used diagnostic tools for diagnosing unstable angina.
Treatment
The fundamental purpose
Trusted Source of therapy for unstable angina is to increase blood flow in the coronary arteries.
Medication and surgery are both treatment options.
Depending on the degree of unstable angina, a number of these treatment choices will vary.
Adaptations in way of life
Regardless of the severity of your ailment, you may be required to make long-term lifestyle adjustments. Changes in your lifestyle that can enhance your heart health include:
- Consuming a wholesome diet
- Reducing your anxiety
- Working out more
- Weight loss for those who are overweight
- Giving up smoking if you are a smoker
All of these modifications can decrease your risk of angina attacks and heart attacks. Discuss with your physician modifications to your lifestyle, such as a balanced diet and exercise regimen.
Prehospital care
- Oxygen
- Aspirin
- Nitrates
- Triage to appropriate medical center
It is necessary to establish a good IV line, provide oxygen (usually 2 L via nasal cannula), and begin continuous single-lead ECG monitoring. Prehospital treatments by emergency medical staff (such as ECG, aspirin [325 mg] in chewable form, and nitrate-based pain management) can lower the risk of death and sequelae. Early diagnostic information and treatment response can assist identify the necessity for revascularization and its timing.
Medication
Aspirin may be prescribed by a physician because it prevents blood from clotting and coagulating.
A doctor may also prescribe clopidogrel, another anticoagulant that prevents blood from clotting. They may recommend a beta-blocker to “relax” the heart, as well as a statin to lower inflammation and cholesterol.
Nitroglycerin, which helps dilate the arteries and improves blood flow, may also be prescribed by a physician.
Surgery
A person with unstable angina may require surgery to eliminate arterial obstructions.
Examples include:
Angioplasty, or percutaneous coronary intervention, is when a surgeon inserts a tiny balloon, stent, or both into an artery. This can assist in keeping the artery open and enhancing blood flow.
During coronary artery bypass graft surgery, a surgeon utilizes a blood vessel to build a diversion around the obstructed portion of the coronary artery.
Prevention
By modifying their diet and engaging in regular physical exercise, a person can minimize his or her chance of developing unstable angina.
However, according to a 2020 article, persons at risk for unstable angina should refrain from indulging in strenuous physical activity, especially in cold weather, until a physician has removed the obstruction.
Additionally, those with high blood pressure or diabetes should visit a physician.
Additionally, persons should:
- Quit smoking
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Reduce sodium consumption
- Lower your cholesterol
- Achieve or maintain a healthy weight
Those with high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol levels should consult a physician to verify that they are effectively treating their problems.
