ABSTRACT. Prinzmetal angina is an intense vasoconstriction causing total or subtotal occlusion of coronary arteries, playing an important role in the assessment of myocardial ischemic syndromes. Coronary angiography and provocative tests are required in order to give a positive diagnosis. Although the mechanisms governing the development of Prinzmetal angina are not fully understood, it appears to be a multifactorial pathology, but not associated with the traditional risk factors for coronary artery diseases. The diagnosis has important therapeutic implications such as calcium antagonists, which are the cornerstone of pharmacological medical treatment. The prognosis is generally regarded as benign, but recurrent episodes of angina are often observed. pp. 77–84

Keywords: prinzmetal angina; vasoconstriction; endothelial dysfunction; oxidative stress; calcium channel blockers; coronary provocative tests