Which therapy is added specifically for unstable angina but not for stable angina?

Which therapy is added specifically for unstable angina but not for stable angina?

• A. Nitroglycerin
• B. Beta-blocker
• C. Heparin
• D. Statin

Answer: (C)

Unstable angina involves an acute thrombosis forming on a ruptured plaque, which can progress and lead to a myocardial infarction. To prevent clot growth and propagation during this acute phase, anticoagulation with heparin is added as part of the hospital management. This helps stabilize the situation while other treatments relieve ischemia and prevent further events. In stable angina, there isn’t an acute thrombotic process, so routine anticoagulation isn’t required; management centers on relieving symptoms and reducing long-term risk with nitrates, beta-blockers, statins, and antiplatelet therapy as appropriate. Thus, heparin is the therapy specifically added for unstable angina.

Unstable angina involves an acute thrombosis forming on a ruptured plaque, which can progress and lead to a myocardial infarction. To prevent clot growth and propagation during this acute phase, anticoagulation with heparin is added as part of the hospital management. This helps stabilize the situation while other treatments relieve ischemia and prevent further events. In stable angina, there isn’t an acute thrombotic process, so routine anticoagulation isn’t required; management centers on relieving symptoms and reducing long-term risk with nitrates, beta-blockers, statins, and antiplatelet therapy as appropriate. Thus, heparin is the therapy specifically added for unstable angina.