Prinzmetal’s Variant Angina
prinzmetal’s variant angina
Prinzmetal’s angina?
I have a very close friend. She’s been depressed recently, and she has a problem going on. I’m the closest person she’s got, but she won’t tell me what exactly is wrong. What she told me is that she has a variant angina (a.k.a Prinzmetal’s angina). I’ve been searching the internet and I’m still confused on this.
What I’d like to know is:
What it it.
How bad is it?
Is it fatal?
Is there a cure?
What can I do?
Her background information: She’s 22, healthy, 100lbs, and Asian American.
What it it?
Prinzmetal’s Variant Angina is a very rare and serious cardiac disease that has two different variations. One where the arteries of the heart are completely normal, and one where the arteries have some occlusion. Both types are caused by spasms in the major arteries, with the result that the vessel contracts. The blood flow to the heart muscle stops, and the result is heart cramps, also called angina pectoris.
How bad is it?
It differs from one patient to another, some have a few symptoms, others have lots of symptoms. Alot of patinets are so sick that they have problems maintaning a fulltime job.
Is it fatal?
In rare cases yes it can be. But I have to stress it´s only in very rare cases. If she make sure to take the prescribed medication and use her nitroglycerin when she have an attack, yhe odds are in her favor.
Is there a cure?
No! The best she can hope for is that medication can relieve some of the symptoms, but will most likely not remove them.
What can I do?
Not much else then support her in the bad periodes. So basicly be a good friend.
I you want to learn more there´s a website here: www.prinzmetal.dk with lots of information and links to online support groups. Maybe your friend will find some help here, sometimes it´s a relief to know that your not alone.
Filed under: Angina Pectoris
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