Which type of angina indicates a higher risk during exercise?

Unstable angina is characterized by changes in pattern, frequency, or intensity of pain and can occur at rest, during physical activity, or with minimal exertion. This unpredictability intensifies the risk during exercise since it suggests that the heart is not currently receiving adequate blood flow. Unstable angina may be a precursor to a heart attack, indicating underlying coronary artery disease that has worsened. As a result, individuals who experience unstable angina are at a higher risk for severe cardiovascular events during physical activity compared to those with stable or variant angina.

In contrast, stable angina is predictable and typically occurs in response to specific triggers such as exertion or stress, and it subsides with rest. Variant angina, although it can be serious, involves episodes of chest pain that occur at rest due to coronary artery spasms, making it less likely to occur during defined exercise. Asymptomatic angina, by definition, signifies no pain or symptoms experienced during exercise, presenting an even lower risk profile. Hence, among all the types, unstable angina is most concerning during exercise due to its unpredictable nature and higher associated risks.