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Coronary spasm is a sudden contraction of the muscles in the artery wall of the heart, causing chest pain and a temporary reduction in blood flow. It can occur at any time, even when at rest, and can be triggered by factors such as tobacco use, high bad cholesterol levels, emotional stress, exposure to cold, and certain medications or drug abuse. Lifestyle changes and prescribed medications can help manage the condition.
Also known as a coronary artery spasm, a coronary spasm is a rapid contraction of the muscles in the artery wall of the heart. While lasting only for a short time, the spasm causes a temporary reduction in blood flow through the coronary artery. This in turn causes chest pain, due to less oxygen reaching the heart.
It’s important to note that you don’t need to have an obvious heart problem to experience a coronary spasm, nor do you need to be actively involved in any type of strenuous physical activity. The sudden contraction of the arterial wall can occur at any time, even when an individual is at rest. Often, the episode passes quickly, but can leave behind persistent pain that is a bit like experiencing an angina attack after great physical exertion.
There are several issues that increase your chances of experiencing a coronary spasm. The use of tobacco products is a common underlying cause. High levels of bad cholesterol can also trigger an episode. People with ongoing physical conditions such as lupus are also considered to be at a higher risk of developing this type of heart spasm. High blood pressure can also pave the way for a coronary spasm.
Other factors can also lead to a coronary spasm. Extreme and prolonged emotional duress can trigger a contraction. Sudden exposure to cold can also be the root cause of the episode. Some people experience a spasm as a reaction to different types of medications or after abusing drugs such as amphetamines or cocaine.
People who regularly experience coronary spasms can help manage the problem by making lifestyle and dietary changes that help reduce bad cholesterol levels. Regular exercise to help manage high blood pressure is important. Eliminating the use of tobacco products will also help minimize the chances of experiencing a coronary spasm.
In some cases, the condition may need to be managed with the help of prescribed medications. A doctor can assess the severity of the condition and recommend the best course of treatment, based on the individual’s overall health. There are several medications that help reduce the chance of experiencing a coronary spasm, including calcium channel blockers, nitrates, and even l-arginine. Because some of these treatments can interact with other types of medications, it’s important to make sure your doctor knows about any other medications you are currently using, as well as any underlying health issues that may need to be addressed.
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