Coronary Artery Vasospasm (Prinzmetal's Angina)

Background Information

• Definition: Chest pain or discomfort caused by a spasm of the muscle within the walls of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle.
• Effect: Muscle spasm leads to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
• Symptoms Similarity: Often similar to pain associated with a typical heart attack, which involves the development of a blockage in a heart artery.
• Occurrence: Symptoms frequently happen at rest and during the night, unlike typical chest pain related to heart artery blockages that occur during exertion.

Symptoms

• Chest pressure, heaviness, tightness.
• Shortness of breath.

Diagnostic Tests

• Blood Testing: Used to evaluate heart muscle inflammation or damage; typically ordered when presenting at the emergency department.
• Stress Testing or Coronary Angiography: Often required to rule out significant blockages in the coronary arteries.

Treatment

• Medications:
  • Medications that relax the muscle in the arteries can prevent spasm.
  • Examples include calcium channel blockers and nitroglycerin-type medications.

Additional Information

• For more details or to make an appointment at URMC Cardiology at Highland Hospital, contact them at (585) 341-6780 or visit their website at www.highlandheart.urmc.edu.

This document serves as a guide to understanding coronary artery vasospasm, its symptoms, diagnostics, and treatment options. It is crucial to seek medical advice for appropriate diagnosis and management.