cardiovascular disorders
Unstable Angina
Symptoms and Signs of Unstable Angina
Patients have Symptoms and Signs (typically chest pain or discomfort) except that the pain or discomfort of unstable angina usually is more intense, lasts longer, is precipitated by less exertion, occurs spontaneously at rest (as angina decubitus), is progressive (crescendo) in nature, or involves any combination of these features. Unstable angina is classified based on severity and clinical situation (see table Braunwald Classification of Unstable Angina* ). Also considered are whether unstable angina occurs during treatment for chronic stable angina and whether transient changes in ST-T waves occur during angina. If angina has occurred within 48 hours and no contributory extracardiac condition is present, troponin levels may be measured to help estimate prognosis; troponin-negative results indicate a better prognosis than troponin-positive. 