A 60-year-old man with a history of angina is now experiencing more frequent and severe angina attacks that are triggered by less exertion than before. What could this signify?
This could indicate that the patient's stable angina is progressing towards unstable angina. The increased frequency, severity, and occurrence of angina at lower levels of exertion suggest worsening coronary artery disease. The patient should be urgently evaluated, which might include an ECG, cardiac biomarkers, and possibly coronary angiography, to assess the severity of the disease and to guide treatment.