Types of Angina

Types of angina include stable, unstable, and variant angina. The most common types of angina are stable angina and unstable angina. Stable angina generally occurs with physical exertion, but can be improved after rest. Unstable angina is a dangerous condition requiring emergency treatment, and is often a sign that a heart attack could occur soon. Variant angina is a rare form that is caused by a spasm in a coronary artery.

 

Types of Angina: An Overview

Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when your heart muscle does not get enough blood for a short period of time. Angina may feel like pressure or a squeezing pain in your chest. The pain may also occur in your:
 
  • Shoulders
  • Arms
  • Neck
  • Jaw
  • Back.
 
More than 6 million people in the United States have angina. Most people with angina have coronary artery disease, with narrowed arteries due to atherosclerosis. When arteries are narrowed, blood flow to the heart is reduced.
 
There are three types of angina: stable angina, unstable angina and variant angina, also known as Prinzmetal's angina. The most common types of angina are stable angina and unstable angina. Variant angina is less common.
 

Types of Angina: Stable Angina

Stable angina is the most common type of angina. It can also be referred to as exertional angina. In stable angina, a coronary artery has been severely narrowed due to the buildup of plaque. Severely narrowed arteries may allow enough blood to reach the heart when the demand for oxygen is low (such as when you are sitting). With exertion, however, like walking up a hill or climbing stairs, the heart works harder and needs more oxygen, which it cannot get. Therefore, a person develops symptoms of angina. With rest, the angina attack symptoms improve.
 

Types of Angina: Unstable Angina

Unstable angina is the second most common type of angina.
 Unstable angina is a dangerous condition that requires emergency treatment. It occurs more often in older adults and is a sign that a heart attack could occur soon. In fact, 10 percent to 20 percent of people with unstable angina symptoms will have a heart attack. Unlike stable angina, unstable angina can occur without physical exertion and is not relieved by rest or medicine. In most cases, unstable angina is caused by blood clots that partially or totally block a coronary artery.
 
(Types of Angina Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD