Coronary spasm and small-vessel heart disease

Overview

Coronary spasm can cause chest pain at rest, often at night or early morning.

Small-vessel disease is more common in women and can be missed by standard tests.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Chest pain at rest or with stress
• Chest pressure with activity that goes away with rest

Less common

• Shortness of breath

Look up a symptom: Getting winded easily with activity or stairs

When to get medical care

Causes

Vessel spasm.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Smoking

Possible complications

• Heart attack: Rare, from a long spasm

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Special heart tests:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Don't smoke

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Don't smoke
• Avoid stimulants

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a cardiologist (heart doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• American Heart Association: Plain-language heart information and a support network for patients.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Women: Small-vessel disease is more common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• This condition needs closer checkups during pregnancy. Plan ahead with your doctor.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Medicines ease symptoms.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Coronary spasm and small-vessel heart disease