Variant Angina

Variant angina is a syndrome typically consisting of cardiac chest pain, in contrast to stable angina which is generally triggered by exertion or intense exercise, commonly occurs in individuals at rest or even asleep and is caused by vasospasm, a narrowing of the coronary arteries due to contraction of the heart's smooth muscle tissue in the vessel walls.
In some cases, the spasm of the arteries can lead to potentially life-threatening

arrhythmias

 or damage to the heart muscle.
Symptoms

Chest discomfort

  • Gradual onset

  • Occurs at rest

  • Pain radiates to shoulder, arm, neck, jaw, Center of the chest

  • Recurrent

  • Change in body position doesn't change the pain

common

Dizziness

common

Feel like vomiting

Difficulty breathing

Irregular heartbeat

Risk factors

Smoking

Drug or substance abuse

High blood pressure disease

or High levels of fats in blood

Treatment
Drugs such as calcium antagonists and nitrates are the mainstays of treatment. The spasms tend to come in cycles – appearing for a time, then going away. After six to 12 months of treatment, doctors may gradually reduce the medication.
Recommended specialist

If you have Variant Angina, then a visit to a cardiologist is recommended.

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Cardiologist

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