Access information on common Angina, unstable questions at Consumer Reports Health.

Angina, unstable

Questions to ask your doctor

If you've been told you have unstable angina, you may want to talk to your doctor to find out more.

Here are some questions that you might want to ask:

Why did I get unstable angina?
Did I have a

heart attack
Doctors call a heart attack an acute myocardial infarction (or acute MI). This is the name for the damage that occurs to the heart muscle if it isn't getting enough blood and oxygen because a branch of the coronoary arteries is blocked. During a heart attack, you may have pain or heaviness over your chest, and pain, numbness or tingling in your jaw and left arm.

heart attack?
Will I have a heart attack?
Are there tests that can show my chances of having a heart attack?
Will I get better?
What's the best treatment for me?
Will I need to have treatment for the rest of my life?
What are the side effects of treatment? How can I cope with them?
Will I need surgery or another type of procedure?
Do I have to stop any activities, such as sports?
Can I still have sex?
Should I change what I eat? If so, how?
Is it safe for me to drive?

If you smoke, you may want to ask your doctor:

How will stopping smoking help?
Where can I find help to quit?
What treatments are there to help me quit?
Is there a local support group I can join to help me quit?

This information was last updated on May 11, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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