User:Mr. Ibrahem/Coronary vasospasm

Coronary vasospasm, also known as Prinzmetal angina, is a temporary partial or complete blockage of a coronary artery due to vasoconstriction. Symptoms often include chest pain not related to exercise. Onset is typically in the early hours of the morning and may wake a person from sleep. Though symptoms may be variable. Complications may include arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.

Risk factors include smoking. Triggers may include stimulants such as cocaine, psychological stress, a few hours following alcohol, anaphylaxis, and certain types of chemotherapy. An ECG often shows ST elevation during the attack, which resolves with nitroglycerin. Diagnosis is supported by normal coronary arteries on cardiac catheterization and confirmed by coronary reactivity testing.

Treatment may involve the use of calcium channel blockers, such as diltiazem, and nitrates, such as nitroglycerin. Statin and ACE inhibitors may also be used. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) may be used in those with certain arrhythmias. Beta blockers and aspirin are generally not used.

Coronary vasospasm is estimated to represent 2.5% to 15% of presumed heart related chest pain. It affects women more often than men. Those of East Asian decent are more commonly affected. It was first described in 1959 by Myron Prinzmetal who referred to it as variant angina.