Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, affecting 1 in every 3 women per year? Women also face very different risks for heart disease compared to men.
That is why our team at the Magee-Womens Heart Program specializes in helping women understand the risks, symptoms, and treatment options for heart disease.
What Is Coronary Vasospasm?
Coronary vasospasm is the sudden narrowing of the coronary arteries—the blood vessels that supply oxygen to your heart. When the blood vessels constrict, the blood supply to the heart is quickly reduced or even blocked. In severe cases, this constriction can prevent oxygen-rich blood from reaching your heart, causing a heart attack.
Coronary vasospasm episodes can occur at any time and may last up to 30 minutes. These spasms also vary in frequency and are likely to return.
Who Is at Risk for Coronary Vasospasm?
Coronary vasospasm can happen to anyone, but your overall heart health and lifestyle can be a factor. Smokers and people diagnosed with high cholesterol and high blood pressure are more likely to experience these episodes.
Risk for coronary vasospasm can be increased by:
- Smoking.
- Excessive alcohol intake.
- Illicit drug use.
- Weight-loss medications.
- Hyperventilation (taking very quick, deep breaths).
The Signs and Symptoms
Coronary vasospasm can cause symptoms similar to a heart attack, including pain in your cheek, neck, and jaw, and pain that spreads to your left arm.
The most common symptom is angina, or chest discomfort due to a lack of blood to the heart. Angina may cause tightness or squeezing in the left side of your chest.
Signs of coronary vasospasm can be different for everyone. Women are less likely to experience the common symptoms and may not immediately recognize the condition. It’s important to have regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor your heart health and identify risks for heart conditions, such as coronary vasospasm.
Diagnosing Coronary Vasospasm
Our specialists at the Magee-Womens Heart Program are here to help you care for your heart and provide you with treatment options. We can perform a series of tests to determine if you have, or are at risk for, coronary vasospasm. Your doctor may perform a coronary angiogram to take images of your coronary arteries, which allows them to see if the blood flow to your heart is restricted.
Your doctor also may give you medications during this procedure to help confirm the diagnosis of coronary vasospasm. Additional testing may include:
- Electrocardiogram.
- Bloodwork to look for damage to the heart muscle.
- Echocardiogram.
Treatment Options
Our team will work with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your individual needs. Your doctor most likely will prescribe medications, such as calcium channel blockers, nitroglycerin, and nitrates, to help expand your coronary arteries and reduce your risk for coronary vasospasm.
Your doctor will examine your health history and risk factors to recommend the best treatment options. They also will ensure that you are not taking any medications that could increase your chances for coronary vasospasm.