Acute myocardial infarction provoked by a cold pressor test

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Coronary artery spasm is a known cause of variant angina pectoris.
• Spasm has been implicated in acute myocardial infarction.
• Ergonovine provocation during cardiac catheterization is a common diagnostic method.

Observation:

• The cold pressor test can also provoke coronary artery spasm.
• A patient experienced chest pain and acute myocardial infarction after a positive cold pressor test.
• This suggests a link between the cold pressor test and myocardial infarction.

Findings:

• The cold pressor test can induce coronary artery spasm.
• Coronary artery spasm provoked by the cold pressor test can lead to acute myocardial infarction.
• This case highlights a potential risk associated with the cold pressor test.

Implications:

• The cold pressor test should be performed with caution.
• Consider limiting the use of the cold pressor test to the cardiac catheterization laboratory.
• Further research may be needed to fully understand the risks and benefits of the cold pressor test in diagnosing coronary artery spasm.