What is variant angina

The Manual was first published in as a service to the community. Learn more about our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Common Health Topics. Videos Figures Images Quizzes Symptoms. Symptoms and Signs.

Coronary Artery Disease. Test your knowledge. Aortic stenosis AS occurs when the aortic valve narrows, obstructing blood flow from the left ventricle to the ascending aorta during systole. There are several different causes of AS, and the causes differ among age groups. However, in low and middle income countries, which of the following is the most common cause of AS in all age groups? Tests may include:. If necessary, your doctor will recommend imaging tests that can better evaluate the structure and function of the heart and blood vessels.

Variant angina is often treated with medications called calcium channel blockers. These medications can decrease variant angina attacks and are often used in combination with nitrates during attacks. If another condition is contributing to your angina, such as CAD, then it will need to be treated as well..

The goal of treating variant angina is to stop the symptoms. Your doctor will work with you to come up with a plan that also includes:. For example, heartburn , injury, or inflammation of the lungs may also cause chest pain. However, there may be no way for you to distinguish one type of chest pain from another.

Therefore, any chest pain you experience should be evaluated by emergency medical services right away. It is important to note that you should not drive to the hospital. Emergency medical services begin life-saving treatment on the way to the hospital, which could save your life if you are having a heart attack. However, if you have a history of variant angina, there are some things you can do to take care of yourself such as:.

Acute coronary syndromes. Updated September 29, Accessed October 17, Coronary artery disease CAD. Updated June 7, Variant angina and coronary artery spasm: the clinical spectrum, pathophysiology, and management. J Nippon Med Sch. Prinzmetal angina, variant angina, and angina inversa. American Heart Association website.

Updated August 21, The coronary arteries can spasm as a result of: Exposure to cold weather Stress Medicines that tighten or narrow blood vessels Smoking Cocaine use Symptoms of Variant Prinzmetal Angina: The pain or discomfort: Usually occurs while resting and during the night or early morning hours Are usually severe Can be relieved by taking medication Treatment of Variant Angina Prinzmetal Angina Medicines can help control the spasms. Last Reviewed: Jul 31, Subscribe today!

Email required Email Required. Zip Code required Zip Code Required. Watch, Learn and Live See your cardiovascular system in action with our interactive illustrations and animations. Ischemic episodes of variant angina show circadian variation and often occur at rest from midnight to early morning.

Ischemic episodes also occur during mild exercise in the early morning. However, they are not usually induced by strenuous exercise in the afternoon. Other important clinical features of variant angina include the high frequency of asymptomatic ischemic episodes and the syncope that sometimes occur during the ischemic episodes.