Unstable Angina –How to Identify Symptoms?

Unstable angina is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. Symptoms of unstable angina occur without any trigger, therefore it sometimes remain unnoticed and that is dangerous.

Unlike stable angina where symptoms are predictable as there is always a trigger such as exertion, fatigue, anger or some other form of stress, the unstable angina is random and unpredictable.

It usually occurs at rest and lasts longer than stable angina. Even nitroglycerin often can’t help to reduce pain. You may wake up from the sleep

Unstable angina occurs due to rupture of a plaque in a coronary artery creating a partial blockage of the artery. As the ruptured plaque and the blood clot moves in the artery, the ruptured plaque may grow or shrink causing a irregular blood flow resulting in angina.

If the ruptured plaque causes complete block of an artery then the lack of oxygen supply to the heart muscle from that artery may cause irreversible muscle damage. This means a full blown heart attack is imminent.

That is why unstable angina should never be ignored and immediate medical attention should be given particularly when the following symptoms occur:

If the angina occurs at rest and limits the physical activities

f the angina at rest lasts for more than 20 minutes

If the episodes are more frequent and increasing in durations

The symptoms of unstable angina usually are used to diagnose it. Any heavy or mild chest pressure or pain radiating to the jaw and the left shoulder and arm are the typical angina symptoms. Pain sometimes occurs or radiated to the back and both the arms. Other symptoms like nausea, weakness, breathlessness or even heartburn may be indicative of unstable angina.

When you get these symptoms of unstable angina or may just doubt that you have unstable angina, no home remedy will work. Go to the medical emergency room and increase your probability of survival.

After the condition is treated, doctors may advise you to follow certain fitness and diet regime. Follow it religiously to lead a healthy life:
Learn more about angina in the following related articles:

Unstable Angina –How to Identify Symptoms?

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