unstable angina
Acute coronary syndrome characterized by new-onset, worsening, or rest angina without myocardial necrosis.
Full Definition
Unstable angina represents an acute coronary syndrome characterized by chest pain or equivalent symptoms that are new in onset, increasing in frequency or severity, or occurring at rest, but without evidence of myocardial necrosis (normal cardiac biomarkers). It typically results from plaque rupture or erosion with partial coronary artery occlusion. Patients require urgent evaluation and treatment as unstable angina represents an unstable atherosclerotic lesion with high risk for progression to myocardial infarction. Management includes antiplatelet therapy, anticoagulation, and consideration for early invasive strategy depending on risk stratification.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from NSTEMI by absence of elevated cardiac biomarkers.
In Context
- "The patient presented with unstable angina requiring urgent cardiac catheterization." — Emergency department evaluation
- "Risk stratification tools help guide management decisions in unstable angina." — Clinical pathway documentation