Prinzmetal's angina is a syndrome that consists of chest pain while at rest rather than during exertion. The condition is also known as variant angina or angina inversa. It is caused when muscles in the coronary vessels spasm or contract to narrow the arteries. Narrowing of the arteries with this condition is not due to fatty plaque accumulation associated with classic angina. Prinzmetal's angina is difficult to diagnose. Traditional cardiac testing, such as exercise treadmill tests, may fail to identify it, as this form is exercise tolerant. Prinzmetal's often is only diagnosed after all other forms of cardiac disease have been ruled out. Several forms of medical treatment assist in managing pain from this disorder.
Nitroglycerin
Nitroglycerin is one of the oldest and most useful drugs for treating heart disease and alleviating chest pain. Nitroglycerin acts as a vasodilator that allows the vessels to open to assist blood flow. Nitroglycerin comes in many forms such as pills, sprays, tablets and patches.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers are also useful in the treatment of Prinzmetal's angina. These medications inhibit the deposition of calcium in the heart and coronary arteries. Calcium channel blockers allow the the blood vessels to relax to improve blood flow to the heart, therefore alleviating chest pain.
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers are a large class of medications used to treat cardiac disorders and chest pain. They affect the response of some nerve impulses of the body--in particular, the heart and coronary arteries. Beta blockers help protect the heart against excitement (keeping heart rate low) and dilate blood vessels to assist blood flow to the heart.
Aspirin Therapy
Aspirin can also be an effective early treatment for Prinzmetal's angina. Aspirin acts as a blood thinner, which allows blood to flow easier through the coronary arteries to alleviate chest pain. Aspirin also acts as a pain killer, which can lessen the pain associated with the condition.
Smoking Cessation
Cigarette smoking can cause chest pain associated with Prinzmetal's angina. Cigarette smoking increases the heart rate as well as blood pressure and overall workload on the heart. Smoking can cause cancer or lead to heart disease, and quitting the habit can reduce your risks from these diseases. Smoking cessation aids in the treatment of Prinzmetal's angina by lowering blood pressure, decreasing heart rate and lessening how hard the heart has to work.
