What is one characteristic of unstable angina?

One of the defining characteristics of unstable angina is the occurrence of more frequent and worsening chest pain. Unlike stable angina, which is predictable and typically occurs with exertion or stress and alleviates with rest or nitroglycerin, unstable angina can manifest unexpectedly and may occur at rest, during sleep, or with minimal exertion. This unpredictability and the increase in frequency, severity, or duration of the chest pain suggests a change in the pattern of coronary artery disease, signaling that the heart is receiving inadequate blood supply due to a more significant blockage or plaque rupture.

The presence of increasing symptoms is an important clinical warning sign that the condition may be progressing towards a myocardial infarction (heart attack). Therefore, recognizing the characteristics of unstable angina, including the pattern of pain, plays a crucial role in the timely diagnosis and treatment of patients to prevent severe cardiac events.