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. In this condition the patient's coronary arteries do not have any fixed blockages (such as cholesterol plaques). Certain drugs or medications (cocaine, ergotamine) can trigger the events. Most events occur without a known trigger.
Symptoms
Chest pain at rest that occurs in cycles, shortness of breath, sweats, nausea.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
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.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Electrocardiogram (EKG), Troponin, X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Heart catheterization
Specialists:
Cardiology
Workup:
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.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Electrocardiogram (EKG), Troponin, X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Heart catheterization
Specialists:
Cardiology
Treatment
Prinzmetal angina typically responds to medications including "nitrates" and "calcium channel blockers".