What type of angina occurs progressively with less physical exertion?

Unstable angina pectoris is characterized by increased frequency, duration, and intensity of episodes of chest pain, typically occurring with progressively less physical exertion or even at rest. This type of angina indicates a change in the pattern of ischemic episodes, often signaling a worsening of coronary artery disease. Unlike stable angina, which typically arises under predictable conditions, unstable angina may occur spontaneously and is associated with a higher risk of myocardial infarction.

The nature of unstable angina makes it crucial to differentiate it from other conditions. For example, stable angina involves predictability regarding its onset with particular levels of exertion and tends to resolve with rest or nitroglycerin. Acute myocardial infarction represents a more severe and irreversible ischemic event, while myocardial ischemia describes a state of reduced blood flow that can lead to both angina and myocardial infarction but does not specify the variability in angina's presentation as seen in unstable angina. This distinct progression in unstable angina is what makes it clinically significant and necessitates immediate medical evaluation and intervention.