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[Prinzmetal angina after licorice consumption]
Kathrin Machalke1, Peter Bramlage2, Karin Bramlage2
1Klinik für Kardiologie, Angiologie und internistische Intensivmedizin, Klinikum Lippe GmbH, Detmold.
Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|May 7, 2015
Summary
Excessive licorice consumption can trigger Prinzmetal angina, a rare heart condition causing chest pain and shortness of breath. This case highlights potential cardiac side effects of glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid found in licorice.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) contains glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid, known to cause hypertension.
- Potential cardiac side effects of licorice are not widely recognized.
Observation:
- A 44-year-old patient presented with recurrent thoracic pain and dyspnea.
- Symptoms recurred after consuming 200g of licorice.
- Initial investigations revealed elevated troponin; subsequent presentation showed ST elevations consistent with myocardial infarction.
Findings:
- Coronary angiography revealed no stenosis or embolism.
- Intracoronary nitro administration caused significant vasodilatation.
- Diagnosis of Prinzmetal angina was confirmed.
- Symptoms resolved after licorice cessation and amlodipine treatment.
Implications:
- This case suggests a link between licorice ingestion and Prinzmetal angina.
- Highlights the importance of considering dietary factors in cardiac events.
- Underscores rare but serious side effects of common substances like licorice.
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