How do coronary artery spasms differ from angina?

Definition and cause: Angina isused to describe heart pain that specifically comes from an obstruction to the heart muscle's blood supply.The causes can be due to mechanical obstruction like a plaque, a clot or a combination. The heart arteries are muscular and can constricy and relax. Constriction (often found where there is clot and inflammation) of the arteries, or spasm, can contribute or in some cases cause angina.

Similar: Coronary spasm is narrowing of the coronary artery that is transient, while angina is the pain caused by diminished blood flow. Significant spasm can and does often cause angina, though sometimes spasm does not cause angina. Remember, angina can occur without spasm - in fact, angina is more common with plaque causing the narrowing and reduced blood flow.