Exercise-induced coronary artery spasm. A regional coronary blood flow study.

Abstract

Regional myocardial blood flow during exercise was determined using the thermodilution technique in 2 patients suffering from both spontaneous and exertional chest pain. In both cases we observed that effort-related anginal attacks were due to coronary spasm with sudden reduction of regional left ventricular blood flow. In 1 patient the exercise-induced ST-segment elevation in the anterior leads was accompanied by a reduction of flow in the great cardiac vein. In the second patient the exercise-induced ST-segment depression in the lateral leads was accompanied by a reduction of coronary flow in the area supplied by the circumflex artery. In 1 patient, nifedipine was effective in prolonging exercise tolerance by preventing the occurrence of coronary spasm and by increasing blood supply to the ischemic region during exercise.

• Authors: S de Servi, D Ardissino, A Mussini, L Angoli, E Bramucci, C Falcone, G Specchia
• Journal: Japanese heart journal (Jpn Heart J) Vol. 26 Issue 6 Pg. 1029-37 (Nov 1985) ISSN: 0021-4868 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 3831406 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Nifedipine

Topics

• Angina Pectoris (etiology)
• Coronary Angiography
• Coronary Circulation
• Coronary Vasospasm (drug therapy, etiology, physiopathology)
• Electrocardiography
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Nifedipine (therapeutic use)
• Physical Exertion
• Regional Blood Flow
• Thermodilution