In unstable angina, which intervention is used to restore blood flow to the affected myocardium?

In unstable angina, which intervention is used to restore blood flow to the affected myocardium?

• A. Medical therapy only
• B. Revascularize with stent/PCI or CABG
• C. Anticoagulation alone
• D. Observation

Answer: (B)

Restoring perfusion to the ischemic myocardium is the primary goal in unstable angina. While medical therapy (antiplatelets, anticoagulants, nitrates, beta-blockers, statins) helps stabilize the patient and prevent further thrombosis, it does not reliably reopen a blocked coronary artery. Revascularization—with either percutaneous coronary intervention using a stent or with coronary artery bypass grafting—directly restores blood flow and reduces the risk of myocardial infarction and death in the setting of ongoing ischemia or high-risk features. Observation or treatment aimed only at slowing ischemia without revascularizing does not achieve the goal of restoring perfusion.

Restoring perfusion to the ischemic myocardium is the primary goal in unstable angina. While medical therapy (antiplatelets, anticoagulants, nitrates, beta-blockers, statins) helps stabilize the patient and prevent further thrombosis, it does not reliably reopen a blocked coronary artery. Revascularization—with either percutaneous coronary intervention using a stent or with coronary artery bypass grafting—directly restores blood flow and reduces the risk of myocardial infarction and death in the setting of ongoing ischemia or high-risk features. Observation or treatment aimed only at slowing ischemia without revascularizing does not achieve the goal of restoring perfusion.