QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GLOSSARY
Angina
Stable angina is caused by narrowing of the coronary arteries
by atherosclerosis. It is characterised by chest
pain on exertion
or in response to other causes of fast heart rate such as stress.
Unstable angina is caused by thrombosis in the coronary arteries
supplying blood to the working heart. It also causes chest pain
which can occur at rest and fluctuates unpredictably as clot
forms and disperses within the artery. It is a dangerous condition
requiring
admission to hospital and specialised treatment in a coronary
care unit (CCU).
The main treatment is aspirin, which
should be taken (half or a whole adult aspirin, 150 – 300mg)
as soon as possible if this diagnosis is suspected. Other anti-thrombotic
treatments are given
within the CCU.
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