koronaspasmen

Koronaspasmen, also known as coronary artery spasm or Prinzmetal's angina, is a temporary tightening of the muscles in the wall of a coronary artery. This tightening can narrow the artery, reducing or temporarily blocking blood flow to the heart muscle. When blood flow is significantly reduced, it can cause chest pain, known as angina.

The exact cause of koronaspasmen is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to an overreaction of the smooth muscle in the artery walls to certain triggers. These triggers can include exposure to cold, stress, smoking, or certain medications. It is more commonly seen in individuals with risk factors for cardiovascular disease, but it can also occur in people without these risk factors.

Symptoms of koronaspasmen typically include sudden, severe chest pain that may occur at rest, often during sleep. The pain can also be accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, and nausea. These episodes are usually short-lived, lasting a few minutes, and often resolve spontaneously or with medication.

Diagnosis usually involves an electrocardiogram (ECG) to detect changes during an episode, and sometimes an exercise stress test or coronary angiography. Treatment focuses on preventing future episodes and managing symptoms. Medications such as calcium channel blockers and nitrates are commonly prescribed to relax the coronary arteries. Lifestyle modifications, such as quitting smoking and managing stress, are also important.