CURRENT CONCEPTS IN CORONARY ARTERY SPASM

Abstract

Coronary artery spasm is an abnormality of coronary vascular smooth muscle contraction that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The underlying pathophysiological process has remained unclear since Myron Prinzmetal described it in 1959. This article reviews current literature of the pathogenesis and outlines clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Keywords

• coronary artery spasm
• electrocardiogram
• coronary angiography
• provocative testing
• calcium channel blockers
• isosorbide-5 mononitrate
• percutaneous coronary intervention