Coronary vasospasm is the contraction of smooth muscle in the blood vessels that supply oxygenated blood to the heart, causing chest pain and discomfort. It can put patients at risk for serious heart ailments, including myocardial infarction. Treatments may include medications and surgery in some cases. Patients tend to be older when they develop coronary vasospasm and may have a history of circulatory problems. Women, especially those of Asian descent, are more at risk than men. Long-term management of coronary vasospasm may involve a blend of nitrates and beta-blockers that keep smooth muscle relaxed.
Coronary vasospasm is the contraction of smooth muscle in the blood vessels that supply oxygenated blood to the heart. When these vessels contract, the heart does not get enough oxygen and the patient may experience chest pain and discomfort. This condition can put patients at risk for serious heart ailments, including myocardial infarction, in which parts of the muscle are temporarily deprived of oxygen and are damaged or begin to die. Treatments may include medications and surgery in some cases, although pharmaceutical management tends to be more successful.
In patients with coronary vasospasm, the coronary circulation that supplies fresh blood to the heart experiences spasms. These can be associated with exercise or other activities, or they can be random in nature. Patients may report spikes in pain and discomfort and in some cases think they are having heart attacks due to chest pain. Medical evaluation for cases of suspected coronary vasospasm may include an EKG test along with imaging of the heart to evaluate circulation and blood flow.
Some of the problems associated with coronary vasospasm include: a form of angina called Prinzmetal’s angina; cardiac arrhythmia; and myocardial infarctions. Patients tend to be older when they develop coronary vasospasm and may have a history of circulatory problems. Women, especially those of Asian descent, are more at risk than men. This condition can be serious, and it’s important to get treatment for it.
Medical emergencies may require the use of nitrates to encourage vessels to relax and allow the patient to receive enough blood. Long-term management of coronary vasospasm may involve a blend of nitrates and beta-blockers that keep smooth muscle relaxed. Patients with separate cardiovascular problems such as blockages in the coronary arteries may need surgery to treat them, but surgical treatments for autonomous cases of coronary vasospasm are usually unsuccessful.
People who start developing chest pain should get a medical evaluation, as it can be a sign of an underlying problem. It is helpful to note when pain appears and rank it according to severity. Severe pain with radiating numbness and tingling, loss of balance, or confusion is a cause for immediate medical treatment. A cardiologist can evaluate the patient, provide appropriate short-term care, and determine how to proceed with future management of the problem to reduce injuries and protect the patient’s health. Coronary vasospasm can become a lifelong problem, but can be controlled with medications and some lifestyle changes.
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