Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to control chest pain and to prevent heart attack. The pain is relieved by a medicine called nitroglycerin.

Other medications may be prescribed to relieve chest pain. Calcium channel blockers may be needed long term.

Medications may also include beta-blockers. However, in some cases of variant angina, beta-blockers may be harmful (especially if used along with cocaine).

Expectations (prognosis):

Coronary artery spasm is a chronic condition. However, treatment usually helps control symptoms.

The disorder may be a sign that you have a high risk for heart attacks or potentially deadly irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias). The outlook is generally good if you follow your doctor's treatment recommendations and avoid certain triggers.

Complications:

• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Heart attacks

Calling your health care provider:

Immediately call your local emergency number (such as 911) or go to the hospital emergency room if you have a history of angina and the crushing or squeezing chest pain is not relieved by nitroglycerin. The pain may be due to a heart attack. Rest and nitroglycerin do not completely relieve the pain of a heart attack.

A heart attack is a medical emergency. If you have symptoms of a heart attack, seek immediate medical help.