Question

Unstable angina differs from stable angina in having which one of the following features?

1) More numerous atherosclerotic plaques
2) Atherosclerotic plaque located more proximally in the coronary arteries
3) Greater association with an elevated platelet count
4) Greater frequency and severity of anginal attacks
5) More common in the elderly female than the elderly male

Answer 1

Unstable angina differs from stable angina mainly in the greater frequency and severity of anginal attacks, which can occur at rest and signify a higher risk of heart attack.

Step-by-step explanation:

Unstable angina differs from stable angina in several ways, but particularly in terms of the severity and frequency of anginal attacks. While stable angina typically presents as chest pain triggered by physical exertion and alleviated by rest, unstable angina is characterized by pain that occurs at rest, may last more than 15 minutes, and can signify an increased risk of heart attack. Unstable angina is not specifically associated with a greater number of atherosclerotic plaques, nor is it uniquely related to plaque location or platelet count, nor does it occur more commonly in elderly females over males.