PCCN Unstable Angina

PCCN Unstable Angina

Unstable angina is a condition in which your heart doesn’t get enough blood flow and oxygen. It may lead to a heart attack.

Angina is a type of chest discomfort caused by poor blood flow through the blood vessels (coronary vessels) of the heart muscle (myocardium).

Angina, which may also be called angina pectoris, is often described as squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightness or pain in your chest. Some people with angina symptoms describe angina as feeling like a vise is squeezing their chest or feeling like a heavy weight has been placed on their chest. Angina may be a new pain that needs evaluation by a doctor, or recurring pain that goes away with treatment.

Although angina is relatively common, it can still be hard to distinguish from other types of chest pain, such as the pain or discomfort of indigestion. If you have unexplained chest pain, seek medical attention right away.

Signs and Symptoms

Chest pain or discomfort, possibly described as pressure, squeezing, burning or fullness

• Pain in your arms, neck, jaw, shoulder or back accompanying chest pain
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Dizziness

Causes

The main cause is CAD.

Risk Factors

• Tobacco Use
• DM, HTN
• Old Age
• High Cholesterol
• Heart Disease
• Old Age
• Stress, Obesity
• Lack of Exercise

Treatment

There are many options for angina treatment, including lifestyle changes, medications, angioplasty and stenting, or coronary bypass surgery. The goals of treatment are to reduce the frequency and severity of your symptoms and to lower your risk of a heart attack and death.