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Angina Coronary artery spasm Artery cut section

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Coronary artery spasm

Alternative Names: Variant angina; Angina - variant Treatment: The goal of treatment is to control chest pain and to prevent heart attack. Nitroglycerin or other nitrate medications may be prescribed to relieve chest pain. Calcium-channel blockers may be chronically needed. Text Continues Below Medications may also include beta-blockers. However, in some cases of variant angina, beta-blockers may be detrimental (e.g., if used along with cocaine). Expectations (prognosis): Coronary artery spasm is a chronic condition. Symptoms usually respond to treatment. This disorder may indicate a high risk for acute MI (heart attack) or potentially fatal arrhythmias. However, the prognosis is generally good if the patient is treated and avoids certain triggers. Complications: Acute MI (heart attack) Arrhythmias Calling your health care provider: Call your health care provider if crushing or heavy chest pain occurs, or if chest pain does not respond to nitroglycerin in people with a prior history of angina.

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