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Known as a coronary artery spasm – or variant angina – it can occur at rest. What are the four triggers that may lead to this condition? And is it treatable?
The Mayo Clinic explained that a spasm can lead to chest pain and a heart attack.
Unlike angina (i.e. chest pain caused by atherosclerosis), people suffering from variant angina don’t necessarily have high cholesterol or high blood pressure.
Instead, they’re often smokers – with tobacco use as one of the triggers of a coronary artery spasm.
Another – seemingly innocuous – trigger is exposure to cold weather, which is going to be harder to avoid now winter is on its way.
The third trigger, reported by the Mayo Clinic, is “extreme emotional stress”.
The fourth trigger is the “use of illegal stimulant drugs, such as amphetamine and cocaine”.
Treatments for the condition are accessible, with the main solution being the use of medications.
READ MORE: The ‘earliest warning’ sign of a heart attack may involve an activity – what to look for
A person with variant angina may be offered nitrates, which are used to prevent spasms and to relieve chest pain.
Calcium channel blockers help to relax the arteries and decrease spasms, while statin medications may also help to prevent further spasms.
Patient – an organisation that supplies evidence-based information on health topics – explored variant angina in greater detail.
Dr Laurence Knott explained variant angina is a temporary, sudden narrowing of one or more of the coronary arteries.
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The spasm slows or stops blood flowing through the artery and so reduces blood supply to the heart.
More common in people aged between 40 to 70 years old, there can also be a genetic link for the condition.
The most prevalent symptom is chest pain, with the threat of a heart attack if the spasm is severe and lasts long enough.
The pain can be described as “crushing, pressure, squeezing or tightness” felt under the breast bone, or on the left side of the chest.
It’s possible for the pain to spread to the neck, jaw, shoulder or arm – and it tends to occur in the early mornings and during the night.
The pain can be variable, but it usually lasts between five to 30 minutes, with symptoms not improving by changing position.
Variant angina can lead to shortness of breath, and can even lead to loss of consciousness.
Tests for variant angina include a blood test, an electrocardiogram (ECG), an ultrasound heart scan and coronary angiography.
The aim of treatment is to control chest pain and to prevent a heart attack.
In order to accomplish this goal, all triggers myst be avoided and you’ll be referred to a heart specialist for further investigation.
The prognosis for people with variant angina is generally good if they follow treatment recommendations and avoid certain triggers.
Those with the condition are also advised to lead a healthy lifestyle to prevent heart disease, which can make it worse.
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