PATHOLOGIES
VARIANT ANGINA
Variant angina, also known as Prinzmetal’s angina, is a rare form of angina caused by a sudden spasm in a coronary artery, temporarily reducing or completely blocking blood flow to the heart muscle. Unlike stable angina, which occurs during physical exertion, variant angina often happens at rest, typically during the night or early morning hours. These spasms can cause significant chest pain and discomfort, similar to a heart attack, but they usually subside within a few minutes when the spasm resolves.
VARIANT ANGINA
The exact cause of the coronary artery spasm is not always clear, but it can be triggered by factors such as stress, exposure to cold, smoking, drug use (e.g., cocaine), or certain medications. People with variant angina may not have significant blockages in their coronary arteries, though it can sometimes coexist with coronary artery disease (CAD).
Symptoms of variant angina include sudden, severe chest pain that may radiate to the arms, neck, or jaw, often accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, and a feeling of heaviness or pressure in the chest. These episodes can recur in cycles and may be more frequent at specific times of the day.
Diagnosis involves electrocardiograms (ECG) during an episode, which may show transient changes indicating reduced blood flow. Coronary angiography and provocative tests using medications like acetylcholine may help confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment focuses on preventing spasms and reducing risk factors. Calcium channel blockers and nitrates are commonly prescribed to relax the blood vessels and improve blood flow. Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, avoiding triggers, and managing stress, are also essential. With proper management, most people with variant angina can reduce symptoms and avoid serious complications like heart attacks.
