Unstable angina

Unstable angina (UA) should be suspected based on: the presence of symptoms suggestive of myocardial ischemia (e.g., acute chest pain); ECG findings (no evidence of ST-elevation myocardial infarction); and the result of troponin testing (no dynamic elevation of cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) above the 99th percentile).

A resting 12-lead ECG should be recorded and interpreted within 10 minutes of the point of first medical contact in any patient with suspected unstable angina (and other acute coronary syndromes [ACS]).

In patients with suspected ACS, nonelevated (or uncertain) hs-cTn levels, no ECG changes and no recurrence of pain, a noninvasive stress imaging test or coronary computed tomography angiograph (CCTA) should be considered as part of initial evaluation.

Acute management includes antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy to reduce the extent of myocardial damage and complications. Further management is based on the results of troponin testing and risk assessment. This may include dual antiplatelet therapy and an invasive strategy or noninvasive investigation.

Long-term management should aim to modify risk factors for cardiovascular disease and use of drug to prevent recurrence.

Unstable angina (UA) is an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) that is defined as myocardial ischemia at rest or on minimal exertion in the absence of acute cardiomyocyte injury/necrosis.[1]Byrne RA, Rossello X, Coughlan JJ, et al. 2023 ESC guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndromes. Eur Heart J. 2023 Oct 12;44(38):3720-826. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/38/3720/7243210 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37622654?tool=bestpractice.com It is characterized by specific clinical findings of prolonged (>20 minutes) angina at rest; new onset of severe angina; angina that is increasing in frequency, longer in duration, or lower in threshold; or angina that occurs after a recent episode of myocardial infarction.[1]Byrne RA, Rossello X, Coughlan JJ, et al. 2023 ESC guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndromes. Eur Heart J. 2023 Oct 12;44(38):3720-826. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/38/3720/7243210 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37622654?tool=bestpractice.com