A coronary artery spasm is a constriction (tightening) of the coronary arteries in your heart.
Your heart’s arteries are blood vessels that supply the heart muscle with blood and oxygen. There are muscles in the wall of coronary arteries, which can spasm/constrict. This is similar to experiencing a muscle cramp in your legs.
If the arteries to your heart constrict, the inside of the artery also narrows, which means that there is less room for blood to flow. A coronary artery spasm results in reduced or blocked blood flow to the heart. If your heart is not receiving enough blood flow due to coronary artery spasm, it can cause angina (chest pain). If the spasm lasts long enough, it could cause a heart attack.
Coronary artery spasm related chest pain is also referred to as Prinzmetal’s angina, variant angina, angina inversa or vasospastic angina.
While a coronary artery spasm can occur at any age, it is more common in adults over 50.
The cardiac experts at the UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute provide specialized care to manage symptoms and prevent complications for patients with coronary artery spasm.
Angina from coronary artery spasm usually occurs at rest. (This differs from angina caused by plaque buildup in the heart, or atherosclerosis, which often occurs with exertion and is relieved with rest.) Cold weather or stress can also trigger symptoms, or they can occur spontaneously.
Chest pain from coronary artery spasm may feel like tightness, squeezing, pressure or burning typically located under the sternum (in the middle of your chest) or on the left side of your chest. The pain can radiate to your neck, arms or jaw.
The prognosis for patients with coronary artery spasm varies, but most people do well with medicines that prevent coronary artery spasm. In other cases, symptoms can persist and could be life-threatening and lead to a heart attack, if untreated.
The prognosis for patients with coronary artery spasm varies, but most people do well with medicines that prevent coronary artery spasm. In other cases, symptoms can persist and could be life-threatening and lead to a heart attack, if untreated.
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes are often recommended to help patients manage symptoms, reduce complications and improve heart health. Talk with your provider about how these heart-healthy changes can help.
- Eat a healthy diet. Enjoy plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean meats, nuts, beans, fish and whole grains. Limit sodium, added sugars and unhealthy fats.
- If you smoke, quit. Smoking can increase your risk for heart attack and stroke. Avoid vaping and secondhand smoke as well.
- Keep updated on vaccines. Ask your provider about flu, COVID-19 and other vaccines that can help you avoid illness.
- Limit alcohol. Men should have no more than two drinks per day, and women should aim for no more than one drink each day.
- Manage other health problems. Take medicine for high blood pressure and diabetes and follow your provider’s guidance.
- Sleep well every night. Aim for seven to nine hours of good sleep per night.
- Stay physically active. Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week. Talk to your provider about what exercises are good for you. Be sure to watch for signs that your heart is working too hard. If you become short of breath or dizzy while exercising, stop and rest.
- Watch your weight. Take steps to reach and maintain a healthy weight.
While coronary artery spasms can be caused by other heart conditions, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, they can also occur as a result of triggers. You can be at risk for coronary artery spasms because of:
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Emotional stress
- Exposure to cold temperatures
- Smoking
- Stimulant drugs, such as cocaine or amphetamines
During your first visit to the UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute for interventional cardiology care, you will meet your care team and learn about how interventional cardiologists diagnose and treat heart problems. You’ll get to know the providers who will help you on your path to a healthy heart.
In addition to providing education, our team will ask a series of questions about your symptoms and medical history. The goal is to gather all possible information to help pinpoint the source of your heart issue. Information from this first meeting helps your team determine the next steps in diagnosis and treatment.
Based on information from this meeting, your healthcare provider may prescribe one or more diagnostic tests. These tests usually take place on a different day, and your team will help schedule them at your convenience. Interventional cardiology tests take place inside the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Imaging exams, bloodwork and other tests occur elsewhere. Your team will help schedule all tests, making the process seamless.
When coming to your first appointment with your interventional cardiology team, please do the following:
- Arrive early. You may need to fill out paperwork when you arrive. Getting to your appointment early ensures you have time to complete paperwork without feeling rushed.
- Bring a current list of medications or supplements you take. You should also list any surgeries you’ve undergone, symptoms you’ve experienced and other past health issues. You may also bring your medication bottles.
- Dress comfortably. Comfortable clothes help you remain relaxed and attentive throughout your visit.
- Eat and drink normally. You likely won’t undergo imaging or other testing at your first visit. Therefore, there are no dietary restrictions. If you’re scheduled for laboratory testing, eat a light breakfast beforehand.
- Have your insurance information on hand. UK HealthCare accepts most insurers, and financial assistance is available.
- Request a loved one to join you. Bring a family member or friend with you to take notes and ask questions you may not think of asking.
Where we are located
The UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute is located at 800 Rose St. in Pavilion G, on the first floor of UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital. We will mail you a map and directions when your appointment is scheduled.
Patient drop-off
Patients can be dropped off in front of the main entrance to Albert B. Chandler Hospital at 1000 S. Limestone. If you are dropped off at the main entrance, you’ll enter the revolving doors on the ground floor of the hospital. Take the main stairs just to the left (or elevator across the atrium) to the first floor of Pavilion A.
After climbing the stairs or taking the elevator, turn left. You’ll pass the Kentucky Wall and Kentucky Children’s Hospital on your right. Continue to the end of the hall until it comes to a T shape. Turn left and the Gill clinic entrance is across from an open area housing the organ donor wall.
Parking
It is easiest to park in the UK HealthCare Parking Garage, across from the hospital at 110 Transcript Ave.
There are two paths from this garage to the Gill clinic:
- You may take the free shuttle from Level A of the parking garage. You’ll exit the shuttle at the Pavilion A/ Pavilion G stop in front of the main entrance to the hospital. After climbing the stairs or taking the elevator, turn left. You’ll pass the Kentucky Wall and Kentucky Children’s Hospital on your right. Continue to the end of the hall until it comes to a T shape. Turn left and the Gill clinic entrance is across from an open area housing the organ donor wall.
- From Level C of the parking garage you may walk or take a golf cart across the pedway to the first floor of Pavilion A. Turn left past the help desk and walk away from the dining hall. You’ll pass the Kentucky Wall and Kentucky Children’s Hospital on your right. Continue to the end of the hall until it comes to a T shape. Turn left and the Gill clinic entrance is across from an open area housing the organ donor wall.
If you need help finding your way, information desks are located inside the main entrances to Pavilion A, both on the ground floor and at the end of the pedway on the first floor. You may also call the information desk at 859-323-5816.
Our interventional cardiology team helps patients regain good heart health every day. We also participate in clinical trials to enhance interventional cardiology treatment and management in the future.
Our team engages in trials to investigate new advances. Because of this, you have access to the latest treatment options available.
If you’re a candidate for an ongoing trial, your care team will discuss this option with you.
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