Variant Angina - Coronary Artery Spasm

How is the condition diagnosed?

A healthcare provider may suspect coronary artery spasms based on a person's symptoms. A pattern of chest pain at rest, for example, is suspicious, especially if a person has no history of blocked coronary arteries or heart attack. However, some people with this disease also have blocked coronary arteries.

An electrocardiogram, or ECG may be normal between attacks. During attacks, the ECG may record changes that show a lack of blood flow to the heart. A procedure called a cardiac catheterization can find clogged blood vessels.

Often, vasospastic angina can be diagnosed only after other possibilities have been excluded.