Alternative Names
Variant angina; Angina – variant; Prinzmetal’s angina
Definition of Coronary artery spasm
Coronary artery spasm is a temporary, sudden narrowing of one of the coronary arteries (the arteries that supply blood to the heart). The spasm slows or stops blood flow through the artery and starves part of the heart of oxygen-rich blood.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The spasm often occurs in coronary arteries that have not become hardened due to plaque buildup (). However, it also can occur in arteries with plaque buildup.
Symptoms
Spasm may be “silent” — without symptoms — or it may result in or angina. If the spasm lasts long enough, it may even cause a heart attack.
Signs and tests
Tests to diagnose coronary artery spasm may include:
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to control chest pain and prevent a heart attack. A medicine called nitroglycerin can relieve an episode of pain.
Expectations (prognosis)
Coronary artery spasm is a chronic condition. However, treatment usually helps control symptoms.
Review
David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., and Michael A. Chen, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, Washington. – 5/21/2010
