Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 23, 2026
06:39
Intracoronary Acetylcholine Provocation Testing for Assessment of Coronary Vasomotor Disorders
Published on: August 18, 2016
16.3K
Coronary artery spasm: review and update
Ming-Jui Hung1, Patrick Hu2, Ming-Yow Hung3
11. Department of Cardiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan;
International Journal of Medical Sciences
|September 25, 2014
Summary
Coronary artery spasm (CAS) causes severe vasoconstriction, leading to myocardial ischemia. Diagnosis requires angiography and provocative tests, with calcium antagonists as the primary treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Biology
- Ischemic Heart Disease
Background:
- Coronary artery spasm (CAS) involves intense vasoconstriction of coronary arteries, causing vessel occlusion and contributing to myocardial ischemic syndromes.
- CAS is implicated in conditions such as stable and unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction, and sudden cardiac death.
- The underlying mechanisms of CAS are not fully understood, and it is not associated with traditional coronary artery disease risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on coronary artery spasm.
- To summarize the existing knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of CAS.
- To highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic implications of CAS.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on coronary artery spasm.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on CAS pathogenesis.
- Analysis of diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- CAS is a significant cause of myocardial ischemic syndromes.
- Definitive diagnosis typically requires coronary angiography and provocative testing.
- CAS is multifactorial and independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Calcium antagonists are the cornerstone of medical treatment for CAS, unlike beta-blockers.
- While generally considered benign, recurrent angina episodes are common in patients with CAS.
- Further research into the pathogenesis of CAS is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care
442
Interprofessional care for coronary artery disease includes pharmacological therapy and revascularization procedures.Pharmacological therapy for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes through various classes of medications:Antiplatelet Agents:Aspirin and Clopidogrel: These medications inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots, which is crucial for avoiding heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe these...
442
01:30Angina I: Introduction
687
Definition and Symptoms: Angina (angina pectoris) is chest pain or discomfort caused by myocardial ischemia, which occurs when the heart muscle receives insufficient oxygen-rich blood. It typically manifests as pressing, squeezing, or crushing sensations in the chest and may radiate to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back.Primary Cause: In a healthy state, the coronary arteries can dilate (widen) to increase blood flow and meet the increased oxygen demand during physical activity or...
687
01:19Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
811
The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
811
01:30Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations
616
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
616
01:28Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
514
IntroductionThe management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) aims to minimize myocardial damage, preserve myocardial function, and prevent complications.Initial ManagementInpatient management involves continuous cardiac monitoring, preferably in an ICU, focusing on blood pressure, serum sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels, and urine output. Ongoing pharmacologic management is crucial for stabilizing the patient.Supplemental Oxygen: Administer supplemental oxygen if oxygen saturation is...
514
01:26Acute Coronary Syndrome V: Nursing Management
610
Nursing Assessment:Nursing management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) involves taking the patient's history, focusing on primary complaints such as chest pain, dyspnea, and excessive sweating (diaphoresis), as well as other symptoms like back or jaw pain, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, dizziness, and fatigue. The nurse also reviews the patient's history of cardiac events, risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, family history, and current medications.In the objective assessment,...
610