Final answer:
The medication used to prevent an increase in the size of a thrombus in a patient with unstable angina is Aspirin, which inhibits platelet aggregation. Other treatments for heart-related issues may include supplemental oxygen, nitroglycerin, and possibly thrombolytic agents in the case of myocardial infarction.
Step-by-step explanation:
For a cardiac patient with a history of unstable angina and symptoms suggestive of an ischemic event, the medication that can prevent an increase in the size of a thrombus is Aspirin. Aspirin helps to break up clots by inhibiting platelet aggregation, which is essential in reducing the risk of further obstruction in the coronary arteries. Other immediate treatments for myocardial infarction (MI) include supplemental oxygen and sublingual nitroglycerin, a vasodilator that relieves chest pain by improving blood flow. However, if the clot is already formed, thrombolytic agents like streptokinase, which is not used in unstable angina but in actual myocardial infarction where a complete blockage of the coronary artery has occurred, can be used to dissolve the clot. For angina, the main goals are symptom relief and slowing the progression of atherosclerosis which can be achieved with lifestyle changes, medications, and possibly procedures such as angioplasty, stents, or bypass surgery for more severe cases.