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Besides unstable angina, there are two other types of angina.

Stable angina is the most common type of angina. It's pain or discomfort, most likely in your chest, when your heart isn't getting enough oxygen. You get this type of angina when you are active, and it goes away when you rest.

It usually happens because the arteries that carry blood to the heart (the coronary arteries) have become narrow. The narrowing is caused by fatty clumps that have built up inside the artery.

If you get stable angina, taking medication and changing the way you live can help you have fewer and milder attacks. But getting stable angina is also a warning that you could go on to get unstable angina or have a heart attack.¹

For more, see Angina, stable.

Variant angina isn't very common. You might hear doctors call this type Prinzmetal's angina. It's most likely to happen while you are resting or during the night. You may get bad pain or discomfort. But it goes away if you take angina medication.

Variant angina is caused by a spasm in one of your coronary arteries. The spasm makes the artery get narrower. This means it can't carry as much blood to your heart.

You can get this type of angina even if you don't have narrowing of your arteries from fatty clumps. These attacks can be brought on by cold weather, stress, smoking and certain medications.²

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 2008. All rights reserved.