The types of angina are stable, unstable, microvascular, and variant. The types vary based on their severity or cause.
\nStable angina follows a pattern that has been consistent for at least 2 months. That means the following factors have not changed:
\nIf you have stable angina, you can learn its pattern and predict when an event will occur, such as during physical exertion or mental stress. The pain usually goes away a few minutes after you rest or take your angina medicine. If the condition causing your angina gets worse, stable angina can become unstable angina.
\nUnstable angina does not follow a pattern. It may be new or occur more often and be more severe than stable angina. Unstable angina can also occur with or without physical exertion. Rest or medicine may not relieve the pain.
\nUnstable angina is a medical emergency, since it can progress to a heart attack. Medical attention may be needed right away to restore blood flow to the heart muscle.
\nMicrovascular angina is a sign of ischemic heart disease affecting the tiny arteries of the heart. Microvascular angina events can be stable or unstable. They can be more painful and last longer than other types of angina, and symptoms can occur during exercise or at rest. Medicine may not relieve symptoms of this type of angina.
\nVariant angina, also known as Prinzmetal\u2019s angina, is rare. It occurs when a spasm\u2014a sudden tightening of the muscles within the arteries of your heart\u2014causes the angina rather than a blockage. This type of angina usually occurs while you are at rest, and the pain can be severe. It usually happens between midnight and early morning and in a pattern. Medicine can ease symptoms of variant angina.
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