PRINZMETAL ANGINA Meaning and
Definition
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Prinzmetal angina, also known as variant angina or vasospastic angina, is a type of chest pain caused by the constriction or narrowing of the coronary arteries. It is different from the more common form of angina, called stable angina, which occurs during physical exertion or stress due to the reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. Instead, Prinzmetal angina typically occurs at rest, often during the night or early morning, and is caused by a sudden spasm or narrowing of the coronary arteries.
This condition is a result of abnormal vasospasms in the smooth muscle lining the coronary arteries, which can temporarily interrupt the blood supply to the heart muscle. The exact cause of Prinzmetal angina is not fully understood, but it is believed to be linked to abnormal functioning of the cells lining the blood vessels, leading to increased sensitivity or reactivity to certain triggers such as cold temperatures, emotional stress, or certain medications.
The symptoms associated with Prinzmetal angina are similar to those experienced in stable angina, including chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, and fatigue. The condition is typically diagnosed through electrocardiograms (ECGs) performed during an episode of chest pain, which can show characteristic changes indicating transient spasm of the coronary arteries.
Treatment for Prinzmetal angina generally involves medications to relieve or prevent vasospasms, such as calcium channel blockers or nitroglycerin, as well as lifestyle changes, such as avoiding triggers and quitting smoking. In severe cases, procedures such as angioplasty or stenting may be necessary to widen the narrowed arteries and improve blood flow to the heart.
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Etymology of PRINZMETAL ANGINA
The term "Prinzmetal angina" is named after its discoverer, Dr. Myron Prinzmetal. Myron Prinzmetal was an American cardiologist who first described this variant form of angina in 1959. This type of angina is characterized by episodes of chest pain or discomfort that occur at rest, often during the night, and are caused by coronary artery spasm rather than by a blockage in the blood vessels. Therefore, it was named "Prinzmetal angina" to honor Dr. Prinzmetal's contribution to its recognition and understanding.
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