Unstable Angina (Last Updated - 3/2/2005)

-indicates a change or deterioration in the presentation of pain for patients who may or may not have had bouts of angina in the past
-characterized by any of the following:
     1) new onset angina
     2) worsening angina
     3) angina @ rest (angina decubitus)
     4) angina which wakes the pt. from sleep (nocturnal angina)

-defined as pain precipitated by an acute increase in coronary obstruction due to rupture of a
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References:

Goodman & Gilman's: The Pharmacologic Basis Of Therapeutics - 10th Edition - 2001. Chapter 55.