- With Mayo Clinic cardiologist
Martha Grogan, M.D.
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Martha Grogan, M.D.
Martha Grogan, M.D.
Dr. Martha Grogan is board-certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular diseases. She is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, and received her medical degree from Northwestern University Medical School. Dr. Grogan has been on staff at Mayo Clinic since 1995 and is a consultant in the Division of Cardiovascular Diseases and is an assistant professor of medicine at Mayo Medical School.
Dr. Grogan is a noninvasive cardiologist specializing in heart failure, adult congenital heart disease and echocardiography. She has witnessed firsthand the importance of patient education in the treatment of diseases such as congestive heart failure and is excited about the tremendous educational opportunities now available through the Internet.
Risk factors (2)
- Calcium supplements: A risk factor for heart attack?
- CRP level: A risk factor for heart disease?
Tests and diagnosis (1)
- Ejection fraction: What does it measure?
Causes (3)
- Vitamin D deficiency: Can it cause high blood pressure?
- Coronary artery spasm: What is it?
- Omega-6 fatty acids: Can they cause heart disease?
Prevention (1)
- Can vitamins help prevent a heart attack?
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Question
Coronary artery spasm: What is it?
What is a coronary artery spasm?
Answer
from Martha Grogan, M.D.
A coronary artery spasm is a brief, temporary tightening (contraction) of the muscles in the artery wall. This can narrow and briefly decrease or even prevent blood flow to part of the heart muscle (myocardium). If the spasm lasts long enough, it can lead to chest pain (angina) and possibly a heart attack (myocardial infarction). These spasms may also be referred to as Prinzmetal angina or variant angina. Unlike typical angina, which usually occurs with exertion, coronary artery spasms often occur at rest.
Coronary artery spasms occur most often in people with risk factors for heart disease, such as tobacco use, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. They may also be associated with other diseases, such as lupus. Coronary artery spasms may be triggered by tobacco use, exposure to cold, extreme emotional stress and use of illicit stimulant drugs, such as amphetamines and cocaine.
Treatment of coronary artery spasms may include medications such as nitrates, calcium channel blockers and 1-arginine, which may reduce the risk of recurrence. You can also reduce your risk by discontinuing tobacco use and controlling high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
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