When does chest pain typically occur in cases of unstable angina?

In cases of unstable angina, chest pain is typically characterized by occurring at rest. This distinguishes it from stable angina, where pain usually occurs during exertion or under stress. The key feature of unstable angina is that the episodes can arise unpredictably and may happen without any obvious triggers, such as exercise or stress, making it particularly concerning. Patients may describe this pain as more intense, prolonged, and not necessarily relieved by rest or nitroglycerin, which underscores the need for immediate medical evaluation. This pattern of pain can signify an imminent myocardial infarction, thus highlighting the importance of recognizing unstable angina promptly.