Health is the greatest wealth given from above. Only not always can we properly dispose of it. Diseases lie in wait at every step. It seems that just recently I wanted to dance, and now there is no strength to get out of the chair. One of the diseases that is common is Prinzmetal angina. That's it about her now and will talk.
What it is
Variant, spontaneous, vasospastic - these are some more definitions of this disease. It is diagnosed if there is a spasm of blood vessels that feed the heart. In medical terms, this is a clinical form of angina pectoris at rest. This disease is rare. It received such a name from its "parent" - M. Prinzmetal. This famous American cardiologist in 1959 first described such a disease as vasospastic angina pectoris ( Prinzmetal angina ). Most often, this disease affects people aged thirty to fifty years. The treatment of this type of angina pector should be approached differently from its other types. The reason for this is its characteristics. The disease can manifest itself in its pure form, or in combination with angina pectoris.
Prinzmetal's angina pectoris develops against a background of rest, usually this occurs during a night's sleep. Sometimes an attack begins in a cold room or outside in the cool season.
What causes this disease
Now let's talk about the reasons that provoke the appearance of this type of angina pectoris. As already mentioned, it can be cold. But it is worth adding that it can not be considered the main "provocateur", it seems to push the body to this attack. Well, as for the reasons, then Prinzmetal's angina pectoris can arise as a result of:
- The development of atherosclerosis. And this is the key point. This disease is not required to be in a state of neglect. At the initial stages, atherosclerosis can provoke angina pectoris. Blame the plaques. They lead to persistent stenosis, which causes symptoms of Prinzmetal. Angina pectoris of this kind is observed in seventy-five percent of patients with atherosclerosis.
- Active smoking is another reason that does not create the problem of the occurrence of the disease, but pushes it. This group includes alcohol, poor nutrition, a sedentary lifestyle, constant stress.
How is the disease manifested?
Now let's talk about how Prinzmetal's angina appears. Everyone should know the symptoms of the disease in case he suddenly feels unwell.
- Severe pain in the sternum early in the morning, during sleep or rest.
- Signs of tachycardia and hypertension.
- During the electrocardiogram in the ST segment, you can notice the picture, as with myocardial infarction.
- Pain that previously occurred periodically becomes unbearable.
- The frequency of occurrence of pain varies from five to fifteen minutes.
- Constant headache, nausea, fainting.
- Violations of the autonomic system.
If you find at least one of these signs, immediately go to a specialist. Only he can confirm or deny the diagnosis of Prinzmetal angina. Symptoms should be supplemented by the results of the examination. Timely treatment started is the path to your speedy recovery, as the consequences of it may not be very pleasant.
Possible consequences
Prinzmetal angina can lead to a heart attack. True, the probability of this is small. The cramps that occur during an attack are not very long. There is another danger - a violation of the electrical function of the heart. This leads to a violation of the heart rhythm, which leads to the manifestation of ventricular tachycardia, and this is one step to death.
Another consequence of the disease is obstructive damage to the coronary arteries.
If we go to the numbers, then we can say the following. In the first six months after the development of the disease takes about ten percent of the sick. Twenty percent of patients are in remission. True, they will have to follow some rules for the rest of their lives, because the symptoms can return in a few years.
To put the correct forecast for the development of the disease in the future is not an easy task. It depends on the severity of the disease and the frequency of seizures. And of course, coronary atherosclerosis cannot be ignored.
Diagnostics
A correctly diagnosed diagnosis is a very important stage in the treatment of any ailment. The main method that will help confirm a disease such as Prinzmetal's angina pectoris is an ECG. Used during an attack. If the ST segment on the cardiogram is raised, then this is the disease that you suspected.
If this method does not completely refute or confirm the suspicion of a specialist, it is used:
- provocative test with hyperventilation;
- the introduction of injections of "Acetylcholine" or "Ergometrine";
- cold and ischemic test.
Studies are being carried out with a load. In this way, tolerance to stress is checked. Coronary angiography is mandatory. Using this method, it is possible to determine and evaluate the degree of damage to blood vessels by plaques.
The patient should keep a diary of sensations. In it, he notes all changes from the side of the heart. As well as pain that may occur when performing a particular job.
Treatment
Diagnosed, now the conversation will be about what is the treatment of Prinzmetal angina .
- The patient must be hospitalized.
- At the first stage, medicines are used: nitroglycerin relieves painful attacks, potassium antagonists dilate collateral and coronary arteries.
- With the manifestation of diseases of the coronary arteries, it is necessary to start taking alpha-blockers.
Treatment should be carried out strictly according to the program. You can’t stop it abruptly, there can be negative consequences: the number of seizures will increase, the symptoms will intensify, which can lead to myocardial infarction. That's why drugs should be taken strictly on schedule.
Most often, these measures are quite enough, but if the desired effect is not achieved, resort to surgical intervention.
The solution to this problem can be solved using:
- Stenting of the coronary arteries.
- Coronary artery bypass grafting.
- Angioplasty
Disease prevention
Despite the fact that Prinzmetal angina can affect a person at any age, do not panic. In order for your heart to be in order, follow these rules:
- Eat low-calorie foods.
- Exclude foods rich in animal fats.
- Do not abuse alcohol, and give up smoking.
- Sleep - at least eight hours a day.
- Sports or at least evening walks.
- Avoid stress whenever possible.