Final answer:
Unstable angina and NSTEMI share a key feature in their pathophysiology, which is the decreased platelet aggregation. Both conditions involve reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery to the heart muscle.
Step-by-step explanation:
Unstable angina and NSTEMI share a key feature in their pathophysiology, which is the decreased platelet aggregation. In unstable angina, there is partial blockage of the coronary arteries due to plaque buildup, reducing blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle. In NSTEMI, there is a partial occlusion of a coronary artery, reducing blood flow and leading to insufficient oxygen delivery to the cardiac tissues.
It is important to note that both unstable angina and NSTEMI can present with ECG changes, but it is not the defining feature. Elevated ST segment on ECG classically indicates ST-elevated MI (STEMI) rather than NSTEMI.
Furthermore, both unstable angina and NSTEMI are characterized by elevated cardiac troponin levels in blood tests. Troponin is released by damaged cardiac muscle cells, which indicates myocardial injury.