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Unstable Angina
Alternate Names : Accelerating Angina, Angina - Unstable, New-Onset Angina, Progressive Angina
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Unstable Angina Treatment
An individual experiencing unstable angina usually requires rest and hospitalization to prevent complications.
A cornerstone of therapy for unstable angina is antiplatelet medication (to prevent platelet aggregation, which is the initial event in the blood circulation leading to clot formation within a vessel). One antiplatelet agent widely used is aspirin. More recently, a medication called clopidogrel has shown in clinical studies to be even more effective than aspirin in reducing the likelihood of heart attacks. Clopidogrel and aspirin may be used together. They are also often administered during heart attacks.
Heparin and nitroglycerin are also given during unstable angina, often sublingually (under the tongue) or intravenously (IV). Other medications include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, anti-anxiety medications, and medications to control blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms.
Surgery may be recommended. CABG (coronary artery bypass grafting) or PTCA (balloon angioplasty), often with the implantation of a stent, may be necessary.
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• Definition
• Unstable Angina Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Unstable Angina Symptoms & Signs
• Unstable Angina Prevention
• Unstable Angina Diagnosis & Tests
• Unstable Angina Treatment
• Unstable Angina Prognosis
• Unstable Angina Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Angina
• Angina - Stable
• Arrhythmias
• Blood Clots
• Coronary Artery Spasm
• Diabetes
• Heart Attack
• Lipid Disorders - Acquired
Tests & Exams
• Blood Pressure
• Coronary Angiography
• ECG
• HDL
• LDL
• Platelet Count
Surgery & Procedures
• Angioplasty
• Heart Bypass Surgery
Other Topics
• Chest Pain
• Cholesterol
• High Blood Pressure
• Obesity
• Physical Examination
• Stress and Anxiety
Review Date : 5/8/2002
Reviewed By : Elena Sgarbossa, M.D., Department of Cardiology, Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Ctr., Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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