Variant angina: Difference between revisions
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== | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
[[File:Prinzmetal_angina.png|thumb | | name = Variant angina | ||
| image = [[File:A_man_having_a_Heart_Attack.png|250px]] | |||
| caption = Illustration of a man experiencing chest pain | |||
| field = [[Cardiology]] | |||
| synonyms = Prinzmetal angina, angina inversa | |||
| symptoms = [[Chest pain]], [[palpitations]], [[shortness of breath]] | |||
| complications = [[Myocardial infarction]], [[arrhythmia]] | |||
| onset = Typically occurs at rest, often at night | |||
| duration = Episodes last from 5 to 30 minutes | |||
| causes = [[Coronary artery spasm]] | |||
| risks = [[Smoking]], [[hyperlipidemia]], [[hypertension]], [[stress]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Electrocardiogram]], [[coronary angiography]] | |||
| differential = [[Stable angina]], [[unstable angina]], [[myocardial infarction]] | |||
| prevention = Avoidance of triggers, [[smoking cessation]], [[stress management]] | |||
| treatment = [[Calcium channel blockers]], [[nitrates]] | |||
| medication = [[Diltiazem]], [[verapamil]], [[nitroglycerin]] | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with treatment | |||
| frequency = Rare, more common in [[Japan]] and among [[smokers]] | |||
}} | |||
[[File:Prinzmetal_angina.png|left|thumb|Diagram illustrating the mechanism of variant angina.]] | |||
'''Variant angina''', also known as '''Prinzmetal's angina''', is a type of [[angina pectoris]] characterized by [[chest pain]] due to [[coronary artery spasm]]. Unlike typical angina, which is often triggered by physical exertion or stress, variant angina usually occurs at rest, often in cycles. | '''Variant angina''', also known as '''Prinzmetal's angina''', is a type of [[angina pectoris]] characterized by [[chest pain]] due to [[coronary artery spasm]]. Unlike typical angina, which is often triggered by physical exertion or stress, variant angina usually occurs at rest, often in cycles. | ||
=== Pathophysiology === | === Pathophysiology === | ||
Variant angina is caused by a temporary reduction in [[blood flow]] to the [[myocardium]] due to spasms in the [[coronary arteries]]. These spasms can occur in normal or atherosclerotic arteries and lead to [[ischemia]] and chest pain. The exact mechanism of the spasm is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve endothelial dysfunction and increased [[smooth muscle]] reactivity. | Variant angina is caused by a temporary reduction in [[blood flow]] to the [[myocardium]] due to spasms in the [[coronary arteries]]. These spasms can occur in normal or atherosclerotic arteries and lead to [[ischemia]] and chest pain. The exact mechanism of the spasm is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve endothelial dysfunction and increased [[smooth muscle]] reactivity. | ||
=== Symptoms === | === Symptoms === | ||
The primary symptom of variant angina is chest pain, which can be severe and is often described as a squeezing or pressure sensation. The pain typically occurs at rest, often during the night or early morning hours. It may be accompanied by other symptoms such as [[palpitations]], [[sweating]], and [[shortness of breath]]. | The primary symptom of variant angina is chest pain, which can be severe and is often described as a squeezing or pressure sensation. The pain typically occurs at rest, often during the night or early morning hours. It may be accompanied by other symptoms such as [[palpitations]], [[sweating]], and [[shortness of breath]]. | ||
=== Diagnosis === | === Diagnosis === | ||
Diagnosis of variant angina is based on the clinical presentation and can be confirmed with [[electrocardiogram]] (ECG) changes during an episode of pain. The ECG may show [[ST segment elevation]] during the spasm, which resolves when the spasm subsides. [[Coronary angiography]] can be used to visualize the coronary arteries and confirm the presence of spasms. | Diagnosis of variant angina is based on the clinical presentation and can be confirmed with [[electrocardiogram]] (ECG) changes during an episode of pain. The ECG may show [[ST segment elevation]] during the spasm, which resolves when the spasm subsides. [[Coronary angiography]] can be used to visualize the coronary arteries and confirm the presence of spasms. | ||
=== Treatment === | === Treatment === | ||
The treatment of variant angina focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing future episodes. [[Calcium channel blockers]] and [[nitrates]] are the mainstays of treatment, as they help to prevent coronary artery spasms. Lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding smoking and stress, are also recommended. | The treatment of variant angina focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing future episodes. [[Calcium channel blockers]] and [[nitrates]] are the mainstays of treatment, as they help to prevent coronary artery spasms. Lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding smoking and stress, are also recommended. | ||
=== Prognosis === | === Prognosis === | ||
With appropriate treatment, the prognosis for individuals with variant angina is generally good. However, if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as [[myocardial infarction]] or [[arrhythmias]]. | With appropriate treatment, the prognosis for individuals with variant angina is generally good. However, if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as [[myocardial infarction]] or [[arrhythmias]]. | ||
== See also == | |||
== | |||
* [[Angina pectoris]] | * [[Angina pectoris]] | ||
* [[Coronary artery disease]] | * [[Coronary artery disease]] | ||
* [[Myocardial infarction]] | * [[Myocardial infarction]] | ||
* [[Electrocardiogram]] | * [[Electrocardiogram]] | ||
[[Category:Cardiology]] | [[Category:Cardiology]] | ||
Latest revision as of 19:33, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics
| Variant angina | |
|---|---|
| File:A man having a Heart Attack.png | |
| Synonyms | Prinzmetal angina, angina inversa |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath |
| Complications | Myocardial infarction, arrhythmia |
| Onset | Typically occurs at rest, often at night |
| Duration | Episodes last from 5 to 30 minutes |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Coronary artery spasm |
| Risks | Smoking, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, stress |
| Diagnosis | Electrocardiogram, coronary angiography |
| Differential diagnosis | Stable angina, unstable angina, myocardial infarction |
| Prevention | Avoidance of triggers, smoking cessation, stress management |
| Treatment | Calcium channel blockers, nitrates |
| Medication | Diltiazem, verapamil, nitroglycerin |
| Prognosis | Generally good with treatment |
| Frequency | Rare, more common in Japan and among smokers |
| Deaths | N/A |
Variant angina, also known as Prinzmetal's angina, is a type of angina pectoris characterized by chest pain due to coronary artery spasm. Unlike typical angina, which is often triggered by physical exertion or stress, variant angina usually occurs at rest, often in cycles.
Pathophysiology[edit]
Variant angina is caused by a temporary reduction in blood flow to the myocardium due to spasms in the coronary arteries. These spasms can occur in normal or atherosclerotic arteries and lead to ischemia and chest pain. The exact mechanism of the spasm is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve endothelial dysfunction and increased smooth muscle reactivity.
Symptoms[edit]
The primary symptom of variant angina is chest pain, which can be severe and is often described as a squeezing or pressure sensation. The pain typically occurs at rest, often during the night or early morning hours. It may be accompanied by other symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, and shortness of breath.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of variant angina is based on the clinical presentation and can be confirmed with electrocardiogram (ECG) changes during an episode of pain. The ECG may show ST segment elevation during the spasm, which resolves when the spasm subsides. Coronary angiography can be used to visualize the coronary arteries and confirm the presence of spasms.
Treatment[edit]
The treatment of variant angina focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing future episodes. Calcium channel blockers and nitrates are the mainstays of treatment, as they help to prevent coronary artery spasms. Lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding smoking and stress, are also recommended.
Prognosis[edit]
With appropriate treatment, the prognosis for individuals with variant angina is generally good. However, if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as myocardial infarction or arrhythmias.
