Which condition is described as sudden onset even at rest and high risk for adverse events including MI?

Which condition is described as sudden onset even at rest and high risk for adverse events including MI?

• A. Unstable Angina
• B. Stable Angina
• C. Myocardial Infarction
• D. Atrial Fibrillation

Answer: (A)

This describes unstable angina. The hallmark is sudden chest pain that occurs at rest or with minimal exertion and tends to be more frequent or severe than usual, signaling that an unstable plaque has become disordered and there’s a high risk of progression to a heart attack. It reflects an acute coronary syndrome where blood flow to the heart is temporarily reduced, and without prompt treatment the situation can evolve into a myocardial infarction. This distinguishes it from stable angina, which follows a predictable pattern—chest pain with activity that is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. A myocardial infarction involves actual heart muscle injury with ongoing damage and biomarker evidence, not just transient symptoms. Atrial fibrillation is primarily an irregular heart rhythm, not defined by chest pain at rest or the imminent risk of MI.

This describes unstable angina. The hallmark is sudden chest pain that occurs at rest or with minimal exertion and tends to be more frequent or severe than usual, signaling that an unstable plaque has become disordered and there’s a high risk of progression to a heart attack. It reflects an acute coronary syndrome where blood flow to the heart is temporarily reduced, and without prompt treatment the situation can evolve into a myocardial infarction. This distinguishes it from stable angina, which follows a predictable pattern—chest pain with activity that is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. A myocardial infarction involves actual heart muscle injury with ongoing damage and biomarker evidence, not just transient symptoms. Atrial fibrillation is primarily an irregular heart rhythm, not defined by chest pain at rest or the imminent risk of MI.