IF ECHO, STRESS, EKG, AND X-RAY COME BACK CLEAR, WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF HAVING CORONARY ARTERY SPASMS AND WOULD THE STUDIES HAVE SHOWN A PRESENCE?

Coronary spasm occurs both in patients with blockages as well as in patients without (the classic Prinzemetals angina description).  Most tests would not show it unless a provoking factor was stimulated or initiated (example ergonovine).  It's often made as a diagnosis only after witnessing spasm or ischemia under provocation after anatomically defining the extent of coronary disease.

POSTED BY:  Steven Ajluni, MD