Variant Angina
Variant angina is a rare form of angina that is
caused by coronary spasms (vasospasm).
The coronary spasm contracts the muscles in the wall of an artery
in the heart making the artery constrict. When the artery constricts,
blood flow through the artery is either stopped or slowed. When
this occurs, the heart does not get enough blood.
Variant angina may happen in patients who
also have severe atherosclerosis in at least one major vessel. Unlike
typical angina, variant angina usually occurs during times of rest.
Variant anginal attacks are often very painful, and the attacks
happen more often between midnight and 8 in the morning. Usually
the attacks happen at the same time each day.
Coronary artery spasm may occur from many different stimulants.
Its may occur spontaneously or it may be caused by exposure to cold,
emotional stress, or vaso-constricting medications.
Patients with this type of angina have a greater risk for heart
attack, an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), and even sudden death.
Those who survive a heart attack usually stabilize.
Many patients who suffer from angina find that the symptoms and
events of variant angina slowly go away.
|
Heart
