The full form of UA cardiac is Unstable Angina Cardiac.
Understanding Unstable Angina (UA)
Unstable angina (UA) is a serious condition categorized as an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). ACS encompasses a range of conditions, including UA, non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). All of these conditions stem from problems with the coronary arteries, specifically an unstable plaque and thrombus formation.
Key Characteristics of Unstable Angina:
- Chest Pain or Discomfort: This is the primary symptom, often described as squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightness, or pain in the chest.
- Unpredictability: Unlike stable angina, UA occurs unpredictably, often at rest or with minimal exertion.
- Increased Frequency, Severity, or Duration: Episodes of angina may become more frequent, more intense, or last longer than previously experienced.
- Not Relieved by Rest or Medication: The pain may not fully resolve with rest or the usual medications, like nitroglycerin.
Why UA is Considered a Cardiac Emergency:
UA indicates that the heart is not receiving enough oxygen-rich blood. This is usually due to a narrowing or blockage in one or more of the coronary arteries. Because the situation is unstable, there is a high risk of progressing to a heart attack (myocardial infarction). Therefore, UA requires immediate medical attention to prevent more serious complications.
Treatment for Unstable Angina:
Treatment typically includes:
- Medications: Antiplatelet drugs (like aspirin and clopidogrel), anticoagulants (like heparin), nitroglycerin, beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors are commonly used.
- Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, including quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress, is crucial.
- Procedures: Depending on the severity of the blockage, procedures like angioplasty (ballooning) with stenting or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) may be necessary to restore blood flow to the heart.
