Coronary Artery Spasms
A coronary artery spasm is a sudden contraction of the muscles within the arteries of your heart (coronary arteries). This causes your arteries to narrow and prevents blood from flowing to your heart. This can lead to a variety of conditions including: heart attack and the development of coronary artery disease (CAD).
Causes of Coronary Artery Spasms
The main cause of coronary artery spams is endothelial dysfunction. This causes reduced blood flow. If prolonged, this reduced blood flow can lead to a heart attack. However, there are certain traits, conditions or habits may raise your risk for this condition. These are known as risk factors.
Non-modifiable risk factors: These factors are irreversible and cannot be changed. The more of these risk factors you have, the greater your chance of developing coronary artery spams:
- Older age
- Family History/Genetics
- Female gender
Modifiable risk factors: These factors can be modified, treated or controlled through medications or lifestyle changes.
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes: When your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high.
- Little to no physical activity.
- Obesity or having a body mass index “BMI” of 30 or greater.
- Excess use of stimulants (i.e. cocaine and amphetamines).
Symptoms of Coronary Artery Spasms
Symptoms of coronary artery spams may be similar to a heart attack. Symptoms include:
- Chest pain, fullness, discomfort or pressure.
- Discomfort or pain in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
- Lightheadedness/Fainting
- Fatigue
- Rapid heart rate (tachycardia) of over 100 beats per minute.
- Heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Sweating
Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Spasms
To make an accurate diagnosis, your doctor will perform tests as well as ask you about any symptoms and previous medical history. Some of the diagnostic tests and procedures may include:
- Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG)
- Blood tests
- Echocardiogram (ECHO)
- Cardiac catheterization
- Chest x-rays
- Stress tests
- Holter monitor
Treatment of Coronary Artery Spasms
Treatment of coronary artery spams are focused on relieving chest pain. Some treatment options include lifestyle changes, medications, and medical and surgical procedures.
Lifestyle Changes
- Eat a heart-healthy diet.
- Exercise under directions of your doctor.
- Make and keep appointments to see your doctor for routine check-ups and follow-up tests.
Medications
- Aspirin will treat pain, inflammation, and reduce risk of a heart attack.
- Nitrates can help dilate your arteries and relax artery walls.
- L-Arginine is a dietary supplement that can prevent spasms.
- Calcium channel blockers can reduce chest tightness by relaxing the muscles in your arteries.
- Statins will help reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood.
Medical and Surgical Procedures
- Angioplasty, if coronary artery disease present.
- Stent placement, if coronary artery disease present.
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), if coronary artery disease present.