What should you know about Prinz angina?

Prinz angina is another name for vasospastic angina. During an episode, the wall of a coronary artery contracts briefly, narrowing the space for blood flow to the heart. Pain may appear while you are resting or asleep and can follow a pattern at similar times. Some people notice pressure, tightness, burning, shortness of breath, or discomfort in the neck, jaw, shoulder, or arm.

A clinician must separate this pattern from a heart attack and other causes of chest symptoms. An ECG can provide useful information, particularly if it is recorded during pain, although a normal tracing at another time does not settle the question.

Seek a clinical review if episodes repeat, occur without exertion, or wake you from sleep. Write down what you were doing, when the pain began, how long it lasted, associated symptoms, and whether prescribed medicine changed it. This information can help the assessment.

A doctor may prescribe medicine that prevents or eases artery spasm. Take it on the agreed schedule and never change it without advice. Discuss smoking, cold exposure, stimulant substances, blood pressure, and cholesterol because these may influence coronary health or the treatment plan.

Get emergency help for chest pain that is intense, persistent, recurring close together, or unlike your usual episodes. Emergency symptoms also include fainting, severe breathlessness, clammy sweating, vomiting, confusion, or discomfort extending to the arm, jaw, or back. Rest and follow your personalised instructions while waiting, but do not delay the call.

Ask what evidence supports the diagnosis, whether you need an ECG during symptoms, which medicine should be used during an episode, and what substances or medicines to avoid. Ask how often your blood pressure and cholesterol treatment should be reviewed.