szívkoszorúérszkület

Szívkoszorúérszkület, also known as coronary artery spasm or Prinzmetal's angina, is a medical condition characterized by the temporary narrowing of the coronary arteries. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The narrowing is caused by a sudden contraction of the smooth muscle in the artery wall, rather than a blockage by plaque buildup, which is typical in more common forms of coronary artery disease.

The primary symptom of szívkoszorúérszkület is chest pain, or angina, which often occurs at rest, typically between midnight and early morning. This pain can be severe and may radiate to the arm, jaw, or back. Other symptoms can include shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, and a feeling of pressure or tightness in the chest. The episodes are usually brief, lasting from a few minutes to half an hour, and often resolve spontaneously or with medication.

The exact cause of szívkoszorúérszkület is not fully understood, but several factors are believed to contribute. These include an increased sensitivity of the coronary arteries to certain stimuli, such as cold, stress, certain drugs (like cocaine or stimulants), and smoking. Vasospastic disorders can also be associated with other conditions like Raynaud's phenomenon.

Diagnosis typically involves an electrocardiogram (ECG) to detect changes during an episode of chest pain, and sometimes a coronary angiogram to visualize the arteries and observe for spasms. Treatment aims to prevent or reduce the frequency and severity of the spasms. Medications like calcium channel blockers and nitrates are commonly prescribed. Lifestyle modifications, such as smoking cessation and stress management, are also important. In some cases, longer-acting medications or other interventions may be considered.