Prinzmetal angina is characterized by all of the following except:

Prinzmetal angina is characterized by all of the following except:

• A. It is caused by coronary artery spasm
• B. It often occurs at rest
• C. It is caused by plaque rupture
• D. It responds to vasodilators

Answer: (C)

Prinzmetal angina is defined by transient myocardial ischemia due to a sudden, reversible coronary artery spasm. This spasm can cause ischemia even when there isn’t fixed atherosclerotic narrowing, often presenting at rest and sometimes triggered by cold, stress, smoking, or certain drugs. The episodes produce transient ST-segment elevations that resolve as the spasm abates, and they typically respond well to vasodilators like nitroglycerin and to calcium channel blockers, which help prevent episodes. The statement that Prinzmetal angina is caused by plaque rupture is not a feature of this condition. Plaque rupture with acute thrombus formation is the usual mechanism behind many other forms of angina and acute coronary syndromes, not Prinzmetal angina.

Prinzmetal angina is defined by transient myocardial ischemia due to a sudden, reversible coronary artery spasm. This spasm can cause ischemia even when there isn’t fixed atherosclerotic narrowing, often presenting at rest and sometimes triggered by cold, stress, smoking, or certain drugs. The episodes produce transient ST-segment elevations that resolve as the spasm abates, and they typically respond well to vasodilators like nitroglycerin and to calcium channel blockers, which help prevent episodes.

The statement that Prinzmetal angina is caused by plaque rupture is not a feature of this condition. Plaque rupture with acute thrombus formation is the usual mechanism behind many other forms of angina and acute coronary syndromes, not Prinzmetal angina.