Unstable angina pectoris and stable angina pectoris

Unstable angina and stable angina differ by cause, duration, and severity of pain.

1. Cause

Stable angina generally may cause pain after a certain amount of activity; unstable angina may cause pain when a relatively small amount of activity is performed, as well as when no activity is performed.

2. Duration

Stable angina pain symptoms can often be relieved when resting; unstable angina pain symptoms can also appear for a longer period of time even when resting.

3. Pain severity

Stable angina pain symptoms are mild, and can be effectively relieved after taking nitroglycerin drugs; unstable angina pain symptoms are more severe, and symptoms cannot be relieved after oral nitroglycerin drugs.