Which scenario describes unstable angina rather than stable angina?

Which scenario describes unstable angina rather than stable angina?

• A. Chest pain at rest
• B. Chest pain only with exertion
• C. Pain relieved with rest
• D. Pain during meals

Answer: (A)

The scenario tests distinguishing unstable angina from stable angina by pattern and trigger. Unstable angina presents as chest pain at rest or with minimal activity, often new or worsening and not reliably relieved by rest or nitrates, signaling a higher risk of progression to a heart attack. Chest pain at rest fits this pattern, making it the best choice. By contrast, stable angina tends to occur with predictable exertion and is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin, reflecting a fixed narrowing that limits blood flow only when demand rises. Pain with exertion or relief with rest describes that stable pattern, while pain during meals isn’t the defining unstable pattern.

The scenario tests distinguishing unstable angina from stable angina by pattern and trigger. Unstable angina presents as chest pain at rest or with minimal activity, often new or worsening and not reliably relieved by rest or nitrates, signaling a higher risk of progression to a heart attack. Chest pain at rest fits this pattern, making it the best choice.

By contrast, stable angina tends to occur with predictable exertion and is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin, reflecting a fixed narrowing that limits blood flow only when demand rises. Pain with exertion or relief with rest describes that stable pattern, while pain during meals isn’t the defining unstable pattern.