Coronary artery spasm is a pain (discomfort) in the chest. It is caused by the constriction of coronary arteries which supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart. The constriction occurs due to tightening of the smooth muscles in the arteries of the heart. Coronary artery spasms can be mild, moderate or severe. In some cases it can block the coronary arteries. Then Blood flow will be low or completely stop due to the narrowed arteries. So that oxygen and nutrients are not supplied to the heart properly. This can lead to a heart attack and then to sudden death. This risk is increased with substance abuse such as cocaine and alcohol.
Sometimes coronary artery spasms may not cause any significant signs or symptoms in some patients. However, these types of patients may complain that their chest is paining slightly. If it is not treated quickly, it can lead to heart attack. The best drug abuse therapy in Florida includes identifying such health risks.
But most patients complain about signs and symptoms of a coronary artery spasm. Common symptoms are,chest pain (angina) , pain on the left side of the chest during rest, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and squeezing of the chest etc. Chest tightness, and squeezing of the chest, starts from the centre of the chest and then spread to shoulders, arm, back, neck, or jawbone.
Hypertension, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis are common causes of coronary artery spasms. Hypertension and high cholesterol increase the risk of arterial constriction. Smoking, alcohol consumption, illegal drug consumption ( for example cocaine abuse),obesity, extreme stress, are some risk factors which can lead to coronary artery spasms. If any family member has the history of coronary artery spasms, that also can increase the risk of future spasms. Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Programs are aware of these potential risk factors and rehabs run by a medical doctor, such as www.goodfuturerehabcenter.com are more prepared to deal with high risk patients addicted to drugs and alcohol.
To treat Coronary artery spasms, Diagnostic imaging tests have to be done. They include:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): to measure electrical activity of the heart
- Echocardiogram: to measure sound waves
- Coronary angiography: to measure blood flow of the heart
The main aim of the treatment for coronary artery spasms is to relieve chest pain. The following medications can be prescribed to relieve chest pain
- Nitrates
Nitrates help to dilate arteries so that the blood flows through the arteries well
- L-Arginine
This is a dietary supplement which prevent constrictions of the arteries. - calcium channel blockers
They can reduce chest tightness and squeezing of the chest by relaxing arterial muscle.As Coronary artery spasms can lead to heart attacks, medications which reduce cholesterol and blood pressure to prevent heart attacks.
- Statin medications reduce cholesterol, so that it helps to prevent coronary artery spasms.
- Anti-hypertensive drugs to reduce blood pressure
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And also patients should eat a low-fat, lower sodium diet. If the patient smokes, smoking should be stopped.
If coronary artery spasm is not treated, complications may develop in patients such as heart arrhythmias (tachycardia or bradycardia), heart attacks (complete blockage of blood flow to heart), cardiac arrest, and sudden death.
Coronary artery spasm is a chronic disease. If untreated it well, complications can occur in patients as mentioned above. Preventing atherosclerosis, reducing high-cholesterol consumption, and preventing hypertension can reduce the chances of developing coronary artery spasms. Diet plays an important role to prevent this disease. Low-fat, low-salt diet should be taken. Regular exercises are also very important to reduce the chances of getting cardiovascular diseases. Substance Abuse Treatment in Florida at www.goodfuturerehabcenter.com will help improve long term health and well being.
