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Have Prinzmetal Angina. Why Angina Is Not Detected In Ecg?

Posted on Wed, 20 Feb 2013

Question: I am under the Care of the hospital for Prinz Metal Angina. When having ECGs it shows a clear reading. Why does the ECG not pick up on this type of Angina?

Answered by Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (1 hour later)

Hi friend,
Welcome to Health Care Magic

Usual angina is from insufficient blood supply in relation to demand (effort).
Therefore, it is transient and not always seen.
That is why in suspected cases, TMT (Treadmill Exercise ECG) is done

Prinzmetal angina is due to spasm of the coronary artery
So, it will be seen only during the time of spasm – when the supply is reduced...
Prinzmetal angina is also called ‘atypical’ angina! – it is no surprise that ECG may not pick up!

You may benefit from Calcium Channel Blockers (CCB) / in addition to nitrates and aspirin.
Keep following up with your cardiologist.

Take care
Wishing speedy recovery
God bless
Good luck

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (17 days later)

Can Prinz Metal angina affect the muscles, because I notice that when I have overdone it my muscles burn and when I take the Nitrolingial spray this takes the pain away.

Answered by Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (3 hours later)

Hi

Nitroglycerine dilates the blood vessels (veins, more).
It relaxes the smooth muscle - not skeletal..
Prinzmetal too is smooth muscle spasm

Regards

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar