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The pathophysiology of unstable angina is controversial. Previously, unstable angina was assumed to be angina pectoris caused by disruption of an atherosclerotic plaque with partial thrombosis and possibly embolization or vasospasm leading to myocardial ischemia. [9] [10] However, sensitive troponin assays reveal rise of cardiac troponin in the ...
In unstable angina, symptoms may appear on rest or on minimal exertion. [6] The symptoms can last longer than those in stable angina, can be resistant to rest or medicine, and can get worse over time. [8] [10] Though ACS is usually associated with coronary thrombosis, it can also be associated with cocaine use. [11]
There are no set criteria to diagnose coronary vasospasm. Thorough history taking by a clinician can assist in the diagnosis of coronary vasospasm. In cases where symptoms of chest pain are present, identifying features that distinguish episodes of vasospastic angina from traditional angina can aid in the diagnosis. [6]
Angina may present typically with classic symptoms or atypically with symptoms less often associated with heart disease. [19] Atypical presentations are more common in women, diabetics, and elderly individuals. [8] Angina may be stable or unstable. Unstable angina is most often associated with emergent, acute coronary syndromes. [20]
The diagnosis of microvascular angina (previously known as cardiac syndrome X – the rare coronary artery disease that is more common in females, as mentioned, is a diagnosis of exclusion. Therefore, usually, the same tests are used as in any person suspected of having coronary artery disease: [ 77 ]
Variant angina is caused by vasospasm, a narrowing of the coronary arteries due to contraction of the heart's smooth muscle tissue in the vessel walls. [3] In comparison, stable angina is caused by the permanent occlusion of these vessels by atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of fatty plaque and hardening of the arteries. [4]
The primary factor differentiating unstable angina from stable angina (other than symptoms) is the underlying pathophysiology of the atherosclerosis. The pathophysiology of unstable angina is the reduction of coronary blood flow due to transient platelet aggregation on apparently normal endothelium, coronary artery spasms, or coronary thrombosis.
According to the WHO criteria as revised in 2000, [6] a cardiac troponin rise accompanied by either typical symptoms, pathological Q waves, ST elevation or depression or coronary intervention are diagnostic of MI. Previous WHO criteria [7] formulated in 1979 put less emphasis on cardiac biomarkers; according to these, a patient is diagnosed ...