Unstable angina


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Unstable angina


Unstable angina is chest pain that occurs at rest or with less and less exertion; the pain may become severe and last longer and it may not respond to nitroglycerin or rest.

Unstable angina is a change from stable angina—a pattern of predictable chest pain that is relieved by rest. Unstable angina is a warning sign that blood flow to the heart has become more impaired and that a heart attack may soon occur.

Unstable angina requires immediate medical evaluation.

Credits


Author Jeannette Curtis
Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated May 25, 2007

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Last updated: May 25, 2007
Author: Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors: Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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