Angina Pectoris with Documented Spasm, also known as Variant Angina, is a type of angina caused by sudden constriction or spasm of a coronary artery.
Characteristics:
1. Chest pain or discomfort, often severe
2. Pain occurs at rest, not with exertion
3. Pain is usually brief, lasting 5-30 minutes
4. Pain is often accompanied by ST-segment elevation on ECG
5. Coronary artery spasm is documented by angiography or other tests
Causes:
1. Coronary artery spasm
2. Hyperreactivity of coronary arteries
3. Abnormalities in blood vessel function
4. Smoking
5. Cocaine use
Treatment:
1. Calcium channel blockers to relax blood vessels
2. Nitrates to dilate blood vessels
3. Beta blockers to reduce heart rate and blood pressure
4. Avoiding triggers such as smoking and cocaine
5. Stress management techniques
Complications:
1. Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
2. Arrhythmias or abnormal heart rhythms
3. Cardiac arrest
4. Sudden death
Prognosis:
1. Good prognosis with proper treatment and lifestyle changes
2. Risk of complications decreases with smoking cessation and avoidance of triggers.
This article is for information purpose only. Please consult your doctor for the treatment