Angina Types - OmniMedicalSearch.com

1. Stable Angina
2. Unstable Angina
3. Variant or Prinzmetal’s Angina
4. Microvascular Angina
5. Atypical Angina

Stable Angina:
This is the most common type of angina occurring due to physical exertion such as walking up stairs, running to catch a bus, mental or emotional stress and physical exercise that causes strain with the pain being predictable. Stable angina follows a regular pattern and the pain/discomfort subsides on taking rest and slowing down, but returns with the resumption of activity.

Unstable Angina:
With unstable angina, chest pain is unexpected and occurs with little physical effort or when the patient is at rest and the pain may be severe, prolonged and more frequent as compared to stable angina. Sometimes, stable angina can progress to unstable angina or an unstable angina can also develop from inflammation, infection, abnormal constriction of the artery or partial blockade of the artery due to a blood clot. Unstable angina does not follow a regular pattern and can prove to be fatal if there is not immediate medical attention.

Variant Angina or Prinzmetal’s Angina:
This is a very uncommon type affecting women more often than men, and occurs mostly between midnight to the early morning hours (8.00 AM in the morning). In this type, normal symptoms of angina occur but with more severity and for a prolonged period. The pain does not follow severe physical exertion or mental strain (3) & (5).

Microvascular Angina:
In this type, chest pain occurs but without any blockage in a coronary artery. The pain is due to improper functioning of the tiny arteries supplying blood to the heart. This condition is referred to as Syndrome X.

Atypical Angina:
Typical symptoms of angina may not be experienced in this type and the patient may experience a mild chest discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, back or neck pain, or burning indigestion. Women are more prone to experience symptoms of atypical angina. (6)

Conditions & Diseases: Cardiovascular System

Angina

Types of Angina