What is the Difference Between Stable and Unstable Angina?

The main difference between stable and unstable angina lies in the frequency, severity, and predictability of the chest pain they cause. Here are the key differences between the two:

Stable Angina:

• Usually occurs during physical activity or emotional stress.
• Pain typically goes away with rest or medication.
• Predictable, with a pattern that can be identified.
• Common symptoms include chest discomfort, pressure, or tightness lasting for more than 20 minutes, pain in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, fatigue, weakness, and lightheadedness.
• Treated with medications such as nitroglycerin, which widens the arteries and relaxes the heart muscles, and antiplatelet drugs, which help prevent blood clots from forming in the arteries.

Unstable Angina:

• Can occur at rest or with minimal physical activity.
• Pain worsens over time and does not subside with rest or medication.
• Unpredictable and more severe than stable angina.
• Symptoms include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, lightheadedness, sweating, nausea or vomiting, and heart palpitations.
• Represents an alteration in the usual angina pattern and may indicate an increased risk of a heart attack.

In summary, stable angina is more common, less severe, and more predictable than unstable angina. It typically occurs during physical activity or emotional stress and goes away with rest or medication. On the other hand, unstable angina is more severe, unpredictable, and can occur at rest or with minimal physical activity. It represents an alteration in the usual angina pattern and may indicate an increased risk of a heart attack.

Comparative Table: Stable vs Unstable Angina

Stable and unstable angina are both types of chest pain due to a defect in the heart's functioning, but they have different characteristics and symptoms. Here is a table comparing the differences between stable and unstable angina:

Stable angina is more common than unstable angina and usually occurs when the heart is working harder than usual, such as during exercise. On the other hand, unstable angina may indicate an increased risk of a heart attack and can occur without any apparent trigger.