Definition of Angina, Prinzmetal

Angina, Prinzmetal: Chest pain due to a coronary artery spasm, a sudden constriction of one of the vessels that supply the heart muscle with blood rich in oxygen. This deprives the heart muscle of blood and oxygen. Coronary artery spasm can be triggered by emotional stress, medicines, street drugs (cocaine) or exposure to cold. Treatments include beta-blocker medications and, classically, nitroglycerin to open up the coronary arteries.

Named for the American cardiologist, Myron Prinzmetal (1908-87).