Prinzmetal angina is one of the forms of coronary artery disease, and the symptoms accompanying it, are associated with atherosclerotic lesions present in the coronary arteries of the heart. Pain, occurring as a result of strong contraction of the coronary arteries, accompanies patients most often in the morning or at night.
Symptoms and course prinzmetal angina
At present, the causes of sudden and severe contraction of the coronary arteries in patients are unknown. It has been shown that exertion, stress and smoking (including other addictions) may be the cause. The pain that occurs tends to withdraw spontaneously.
In patients with Prinzmetal disease, findings include:
- no increase in cardiac enzyme activity,
- very good exercise tolerance,
- periods of improvement and pain exacerbations,
- the absence of typical risk factors for ischaemic heart disease,
- very often these patients are also accompanied by migraine.
Pain attacks can be triggered by smoking and alcohol consumption. Severe, prolonged stress, emotional problems and the use of certain medications have also been noted.
The painful symptoms of Prinzmetal disease are usually accompanied by changes in the ECG recording. These resemble the recording for a myocardial infarction or ischaemic disease.
When to go to the doctor and treat prinzmetal angina
ECG and Holter monitoring are used to diagnose the disease. Treatment is based on pharmacological (e.g. blocking calcium channels) and non-pharmacological measures (strict adherence to doctor's instructions, healthy lifestyle, avoidance of all stimulants).
