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Types of Angina

Angina, often referred to as angina pectoris, is characterized by chest pains caused by a decreased amount of blood flow to the heart. Angina is one of the symptoms of coronary artery disease (CAD). Angina is classified as unstable, stable or variant.

  1. Unstable Angina

    • Unstable angina, also called progressive and new-onset angina, is primarily caused by atherosclerosis, or plaque buildup in the arteries. Unstable angina symptoms are often warning signs of a heart attack.

    Unstable Angina Symptoms

    • Unstable angina chest pains are sudden and severe. The chest pain typically occurs when individuals are resting and generally lasts longer than 15 minutes.

    Stable Angina

    • Stable angina, the most common type of angina, causes recurring, persistent chest pains.

    Stable Angina Symptoms

    • Stable angina chest pains typically occur with physical exertion or emotional stress. The symptoms usually last for less than five minutes and go away once the patient has rested or used angina medication.

    Variant Angina

    • Variant angina, also known as Prinzmetal's angina, is a rare type of angina caused when coronary artery spasms temporarily reduce blood flow to the heart. Variant angina chest pains typically occur when the patient is resting.

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