Prinzmetal et al described a variant form of angina with features distinct from “typical” angina pectoris.
Features of Prinzmetal’s angina:
(1) The patient may present with chest pain and/or syncope. Pain can occur at rest and may wake the patient up.
(2) The ECG shows ST-segment elevation while symptomatic but not at other times.
(3) Some patients develop a ventricular arrhythmia.
(4) Spasm of the coronary artery (vasospasm) underlies the condition but cannot always be demonstrated.
(5) Atherosclerotic plaque or thrombosis do not explain the findings.
This can be challenging to diagnose when the patient is young and does not have the classic risk factors for coronary artery disease.
