Prinzmetal angina (heart artery spasm)

Chest | Cardiology | Prinzmetal angina (heart artery spasm) (Disease)


Description

Prinzmetals angina( heart artery spasm) is a form of chest pain, pressure, or tightness (angina) caused by spasms in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. It is a form of unstableangina, meaning that it occurs at rest, often without a predictable pattern. This is in contrast to stable angina, in which chest pain occurs in a predictable pattern during exertion or exercise.

Causes and Risk factors

Episodes of chest pain caused by Prinzmetals angina usually occur in clusters, with periods of frequent episodes lasting for a few months followed by weeks or months with no chest pain episodes. Prinzmetals angina may have no identifiable trigger, or may be brought on by hyperventilation, exposure to cold, or extreme emotional stress.

Diagnosis and Treatment

New or worsening Prinzmetals angina requires urgent treatment. Treatment for Prinzmetals angina includes medications to reduce the spasm in the arteries. In those who have coronary artery disease, additional treatment for Prinzmetals angina may include angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery. ...