Variant angina
Variant angina
Variant angina, also known as Prinzmetal's angina, is a type of angina pectoris that typically occurs at rest, often without any physical exertion or stress. It is usually caused by coronary artery spasm, a temporary narrowing of the coronary arteries.
Pronunciation
Variant angina: /ˈveəriənt ænˈdʒaɪnə/
Etymology
The term "variant" comes from the Latin variantem meaning "to change". "Angina" is derived from the Latin angere which means "to strangle", and the Greek ankhone meaning "a strangling". This reflects the constricting pain often experienced with this condition. The term "Prinzmetal's angina" is named after Dr. Myron Prinzmetal, an American cardiologist who first described this condition in 1959.
Symptoms
The symptoms of variant angina are often different from those of typical angina. They usually occur at rest, often in the early morning hours, and can be severe. The pain is often described as a crushing or squeezing sensation in the chest, which may radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, shoulders, or back. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, and syncope (fainting).
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of variant angina is typically made through a combination of patient history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), coronary angiography, or a stress test. The ECG may show changes suggestive of coronary artery spasm during an episode of chest pain.
Treatment
Treatment for variant angina typically involves medications to relieve the coronary artery spasm and prevent angina attacks. These may include calcium channel blockers and nitrates. In some cases, other treatments such as angioplasty or stent placement may be necessary.
Related Terms
- Angina pectoris
- Coronary artery spasm
- Electrocardiogram
- Coronary angiography
- Stress test
- Calcium channel blockers
- Nitrates
- Angioplasty
- Stent
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Variant angina
- Wikipedia's article - Variant angina
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