Prinzmetal Angina (Heart Artery Spasm)
Description
Characterized by spasms of the coronary (heart) arteries causing decreased blood flow. The lack of blood causes chest pain and can result in a heart attack. Typically the patient's coronary arteries do not have any fixed blockages. Exposure to the cold, certain medications (cocaine, ergovamine), and stress can trigger the events.
Symptoms
Chest pain at rest that occurs in cycles, shortness of breath, sweats, nausea.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. An EKG is normal without symptoms but has characteristic changes during an attack. A heart catheterization is frequently performed to rule out fixed blockages of the coronary arteries.
Standard Workup
- CBC
- Chem 12
- Troponin
- X-Ray
- EKG
Treatment
Prinzmetal angina typically responds to nitrates and calcium channel blockers.
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Vasospastic Acute Myocardial Infarctaion: Prinzmetal Angina
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