Prinzmetal angina
Videos
Notes
Cardiovascular system
Pathology
AssessmentsPrinzmetal angina
Flashcards
Questions
Prinzmetal angina
USMLE® Step 1 style questions USMLE
A 52-year-old man comes to the clinic due to an episode of chest pain and shortness of breath. The patient describes substernal chest pain that started suddenly when he was walking up the stairs and resolved after a few minutes of rest. Medical history includes type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia. The patient does not use tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drugs. The patient’s temperature is 36.5°C (97.7°F), pulse is 80/min, respirations are 20/min, and blood pressure is 130/85 mmHg. He does not appear to be in distress. Physical examination shows normal heart sounds with no murmurs or gallops heard on auscultation. Which of the following sets of findings would most likely be seen in this patient if diagnostic investigations had been obtained during the episode of pain?
Prinzmetal angina exam links
Prinzmetal's angina is a rare form of angina (chest pain) caused by the vasospasm of the smooth muscle tissue of the coronary artery, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. Prinzmetal's angina usually occurs at rest, and symptoms include chest pain, pressure or tightness, shortness of breath, sweating, and nausea or vomiting. Treatment options include nitroglycerine and calcium channel blockers.