Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Acute Myocardial Infarction in Rats
07:45

Acute Myocardial Infarction in Rats

Published on: February 16, 2011

The syndrome of variant angina culminating in acute myocardial infarction

J E Madias

    Circulation
    |February 1, 1979
    PubMed

    Insights

    This study examined variant angina leading to myocardial infarction in ten patients. Despite initial severity, outcomes were benign, with coronary bypass surgery proving effective for chest pain relief.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Internal Medicine
    • Vascular Medicine

    Background:

    • Variant angina, characterized by chest pain and transient ST-segment elevation, can progress to acute myocardial infarction.
    • Understanding the clinical course and outcomes of myocardial infarction secondary to variant angina is crucial for patient management.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the clinical characteristics, diagnostic findings, and long-term outcomes of patients experiencing myocardial infarction following recurrent variant angina.
    • To evaluate the efficacy of interventions such as intraaortic balloon pumping and coronary bypass surgery in this patient cohort.

    Main Methods:

    • Study included ten patients (28-54 years old) with recurrent variant angina culminating in acute myocardial infarction.
    • Diagnosis confirmed by enzyme changes, T-wave inversions, or Q waves; assessed blood pressure, heart rate, and exercise stress testing.
    • Coronary arteriography performed; interventions like intraaortic balloon pumping and coronary bypass surgery were evaluated.

    Main Results:

    • Patients presented with variant angina progressing to myocardial infarction, with stable or decreased blood pressure and heart rate during chest pain.
    • Myocardial infarction diagnosis was confirmed via enzyme changes and ECG findings; complications were similar to conventional myocardial infarction, with no mortality.
    • Exercise stress testing post-infarction was normal; coronary arteriography showed varied pathology. Coronary bypass surgery effectively prevented further chest pain episodes.

    Conclusions:

    • Myocardial infarction secondary to variant angina, while serious, appears to have a benign long-term course in the absence of mortality.
    • Coronary bypass surgery is a potentially effective treatment for managing recurrent chest pain after myocardial infarction in variant angina patients.
    • High prevalence of alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking noted, suggesting potential contributing factors or associations.

    More Related Videos

    A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis18:11

    A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis

    Published on: December 28, 2012

    Intracoronary Acetylcholine Provocation Testing for Assessment of Coronary Vasomotor Disorders06:39

    Intracoronary Acetylcholine Provocation Testing for Assessment of Coronary Vasomotor Disorders

    Published on: August 18, 2016

    Related Concept Videos

    Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction01:30

    Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction

    Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of heart conditions caused by sudden obstruction of coronary arteries, typically resulting from the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombus (blood clot) formation. This obstruction can lead to partial or complete blockage of blood flow, causing varying degrees of myocardial ischemia or infarction.ACS includes the following clinical entities:Unstable Angina (UA)Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)ST-Elevation...
    Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:19

    Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

    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...
    Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

    Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

    Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
    Angina I: Introduction01:30

    Angina I: Introduction

    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...
    Angina II: Classification01:27

    Angina II: Classification

    Angina, also known as angina pectoris, is a chest pain resulting from diminished blood flow to the heart muscle and is often a symptom of coronary artery disease. Angina presents several variants with distinctive attributes, etiologies, and therapeutic approaches. The main types of angina include stable, unstable, variant (Prinzmetal's), microvascular, intractable, and silent ischemia.Stable angina is caused by atherosclerosis, which leads to the formation of plaques that narrow the coronary...
    Angina III: Clinical Manifestations and Assessment01:29

    Angina III: Clinical Manifestations and Assessment

    Angina manifests as chest pain, tightness, or squeezing discomfort typically located behind the breastbone. It can radiate to the neck, jaw, shoulders, and inner aspects of the upper arms, most commonly the left arm. Patients may experience shortness of breath, fatigue, profuse sweating, dizziness, indigestion, heartburn, palpitations, anxiety, and vomiting as accompanying symptoms. This pain often lasts a few minutes and is triggered by physical exertion, emotional stress, heavy meals, or cold...