Unstable angina

Preview

Coronary artery disease is bad enough when it is a gradual process of narrowing of the lumen. Worse yet is sudden narrowing or blocking of the coronary artery by a hemorrhage or clot, often caused by ulceration of an atherosclerotic plaque. Myocardial infarction or sudden death can result. A patient who had been completely asymptomatic may be found to have unstable angina. Dr Ewy describes the role of thrombosis in unstable angina, outlines treatment options, and discusses individual factors that influence choice of treatment.