What are the Symptoms of Unstable Angina?
September 25, 2023 | by Sravani Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Unstable angina is a serious condition and a type of chest pain or discomfort that occurs when there is reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. Unlike stable angina, unstable angina can happen at rest or with minimal physical exertion and is not relieved by rest or medication. Symptoms of unstable angina may include:
- Chest Pain or Discomfort: Typically described as a heavy, tight, or crushing pain in the chest. The pain may also radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder, or back.
- New Onset Chest Pain: Chest pain that is new, occurs more frequently, lasts longer, or is more severe than previously experienced.
- Pain at Rest: Chest pain that occurs at rest or during minimal activity, without an obvious trigger or cause.
- Pain with Exertion: Chest pain that occurs with minimal exertion or activity that previously didn’t trigger pain.
- Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, even at rest or with minimal exertion.
- Sweating: Profuse sweating, often described as cold, clammy skin, even in the absence of physical exertion or a warm environment.
- Nausea or Vomiting: Feeling nauseous or vomiting, sometimes accompanied by chest discomfort.
- Fatigue: Unusual or extreme fatigue or weakness, which may persist for an extended period.
- Dizziness or Light-headedness: Feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or experiencing a sensation of impending fainting or loss of consciousness.
- Anxiety or Restlessness: A sense of unease, anxiety, or feeling unusually restless.
- Unexplained Weakness: Generalized weakness, particularly without an obvious cause.
Unstable angina is a medical emergency as it can be a precursor to a heart attack (myocardial infarction). If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they are new, worsening, or different from your typical angina, seek immediate medical attention. Unstable angina often requires urgent evaluation and treatment to reduce the risk of a heart attack or other serious cardiovascular events.