What is coronary artery spasm?
Coronary artery spasm is a sudden, temporary narrowing or tightening of a small part of an artery. The artery supplies blood to the heart. This spasm results in the heart temporarily not getting enough blood. The blockage of blood causes you to feel chest pain.Coronary artery spasm can occur in people who do not have significant coronary artery disease. However, some people with variant angina have severe disease in at least one vessel. The spasm typically occurs at the site of blockage. Fortunately, coronary artery spasm does not typically trigger the series of events that can lead to a heart attack. However, if a coronary artery spasm is severe and occurs for a long period of time, a heart attack can occur. The cause of coronary artery spasm is unknown. In young people, coronary spasm is often related to the use of illicit drugs, particularly cocaine. It can also be triggered by emotional stress, exposure to cold, or heavy smoking. People who have underlying coronary artery disease,