The medical term for chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle (myocardium) is not getting as much blood as it needs. Stableangina, also known as angina pectoris, is a predictable form usually triggered by activity or stress and generally relieved by nitroglycerin or rest. Unstable angina is unexpected chest pain of increasing intensity and/or frequency, often occurring at rest. Unstable angina should be treated as an emergency, just like a heart attack or stroke.
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