cardiovascular disorders
Unstable Angina
Prognosis for Unstable Angina
Prognosis after an episode of unstable angina depends upon how many coronary arteries are diseased, which arteries are affected, and how severely they are affected. For example, stenosis of the proximal left main artery or equivalent (proximal left arterial descending and circumflex artery stenosis) has a worse prognosis than does distal stenosis or stenosis in a smaller arterial branch. Left ventricular function also greatly influences prognosis; patients with significant left ventricular dysfunction (even those with 1- or 2-vessel disease) have a lower threshold for revascularization. Overall, about 30% of patients with unstable angina have a myocardial infarction within 3 months of onset; sudden death is less common. Marked ECG changes with chest pain indicate higher risk of subsequent MI or death. 