Unstable angina (pre heart attack chest pain)
About Unstable angina (pre heart attack chest pain)
Chest pain that is caused by insufficient blood supply through the coronary arteries that feed oxygen and nutrients to the heart. Stable angina is pain that occurs with a fixed amount of exercise. Unstable angina is pain that now occurs with less exertion or at rest. The disorder is very serious since it is a warning sign of an imminent heart attack. This is a medical emergency. Untreated it can lead to rapid death.Symptoms
Chest pain (the pain can also be in the shoulder, back, arm, jaw or abdomen), chest pain that occurs at rest or with less exertion, shortness of breath, sweating, feeling faint, nausea, vomiting. The chest pain may be described as tightness, squeezing, crushing, burning, choking, or aching.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. Initial testing includes an electrocardiogram (EKG) and blood test for troponin (a heart muscle protein released into the blood if heart muscle damage has occurred). A coronary angiogram can identify the site of coronary artery blockage. A high resolution chest CT scan can also demonstrate blockages. CT scans can also rule out other diseases that can clinically mimic unstable angina. An echocardiogram may be done to see well the heart is pumpingCommon tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), EKG, Troponin, X-ray.
OTC sleep aids and supportive treatments
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Therapy is directed at relieving the pain by increasing the blood supply to the heart and preventing blood clot formation inside the coronary arteries. Anti-platelet drugs, such as aspirin and clopidogrel/Plavix, and nitroglycerin are given immediately. Coronary (heart) artery blockages are reduced by the following: balloon angioplasty, stent placement, surgical bypass, and/or blood thinners. Other medications also given usually include a high dose statin to lower cholesterol, a beta blocker to slow heart rate and an angiotensin enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) that helps the heart remodel appropriately. For more information contact the American Heart Association: (800)242-8721Medical specialties
Cardiothoracic Surgery · Cardiology
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Unstable angina (pre heart attack chest pain).