Which condition is characterized by chest pain but without significant coronary blockage?

Which condition is characterized by chest pain but without significant coronary blockage?

• A. Unstable angina
• B. Myocardial infarction
• C. Prinzmetal's angina
• D. Cricopharyngeal spasm

Answer: (C)

Prinzmetal's angina, also known as variant angina, is characterized by episodes of chest pain due to spasm of the coronary arteries, which can temporarily reduce or block blood flow to the heart. This condition often occurs at rest and may be triggered by stress, smoking, or exposure to cold. Importantly, during these episodes, coronary arteries may not show significant blockage in the typical sense of atherosclerosis, as the pain arises from vasospasm rather than an obstruction due to plaque buildup.

This is a crucial distinction because it underscores that patients with Prinzmetal's angina can experience chest pain and related symptoms without the usual findings associated with coronary artery disease and significant stenosis. Identifying this condition can lead to appropriate management focused on relieving the vasospasm and preventing further episodes, often requiring the use of calcium channel blockers or nitrates.

In contrast, unstable angina typically occurs in the setting of significant coronary blockage and is often a precursor to a myocardial infarction. Myocardial infarction itself involves permanent damage to heart tissue due to prolonged ischemia often caused by complete blockage. Cricopharyngeal spasm, while it may cause chest discomfort, is related to issues in the esophagus and not specifically