In which angina type do spasms of coronary arteries play a significant role?

Prinzmetal angina, also known as variant angina, is characterized by episodes of chest pain that occur due to spasms of the coronary arteries. These spasms can temporarily narrow the arteries, leading to decreased blood flow and, consequently, anginal symptoms. This type of angina is different from other forms, such as stable or unstable angina, which are usually associated with atherosclerotic changes and increased myocardial oxygen demand rather than arterial spasms. In the case of Prinzmetal angina, the spasms can occur unpredictably and often happen at rest, particularly during sleep or stress, which is a hallmark of this condition. As a result, identifying Prinzmetal angina is crucial for effective management and treatment, as it may respond well to medications that relieve coronary vasoconstriction.