[Successful nifedipine therapy in coronary spasm]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Prinzmetal's angina is a condition characterized by chest pain due to transient coronary artery spasm.
• Typical presentation involves ST-segment elevation on electrocardiogram (ECG) during episodes.

Observation:

• A 51-year-old male presented with symptoms consistent with Prinzmetal's angina.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) showed ST-elevation and ventricular ectopies during chest pain episodes.
• Coronary arteriography identified spasm in a normal left anterior descending artery.

Findings:

• The patient experienced recurrent chest pain attributed to coronary artery spasm.
• A combination therapy of Nifedipine and Isosorbide dinitrate was initiated.

Implications:

• This case highlights the effectiveness of combined Nifedipine and Isosorbide dinitrate in managing Prinzmetal's angina.
• Successful treatment resulted in a 9-month pain-free period for the patient.
• Coronary artery spasm can occur in apparently normal arteries and is treatable.