What is angina, and why is unstable angina a concern?
Angina (say “ANN-juh-nuh” or “ann-JY-nuh”) is a type of chest pain or discomfort that occurs when there is not enough blood flow to the heart. Angina can be dangerous, so it is important to pay attention to chest pain, know what is typical for you, learn how to control it, and understand when you need to get treatment. There are two types of angina: • Stable angina is chest pain that has a typical pattern. It happens when your heart is working harder and needs more oxygen, such as during exercise. The pain goes away when you rest. • Unstable angina is chest pain that is unexpected, and resting or taking nitroglycerin may not help. Your doctor will probably diagnose unstable angina if you are having chest pain for the first time or if your pain is getting worse, lasting longer, happening more often, or happening at rest. Unstable angina is a warning sign that a heart attack may happen soon, so it requires treatment right away. But if you have any type of chest pain, see your doctor.
