What is a common characteristic of variant angina?

Variant angina, also known as Prinzmetal angina, is primarily characterized by episodes of chest pain that occur at rest and are caused by a spasm of the coronary arteries. This spasm leads to a temporary reduction in blood flow to the heart muscle, resulting in the angina symptoms. Unlike other forms of angina that occur with physical exertion or are related to atherosclerosis, variant angina can arise unexpectedly and may be triggered by stress or other factors.

The association with coronary artery spasm is a distinct feature that differentiates it from typical exertional angina, which is primarily related to fixed blockages caused by atherosclerotic plaques in the coronary arteries. Understanding this mechanism is critical for effectively diagnosing and managing variant angina.