Variant or Prinzmetal angina is a type of angina that is caused by a coronary artery spasm. Muscle fibres surround the walls of the arteries. A sudden spasm or narrowing of the arteries may occur due to the rapid contraction of these muscle fibres. Narrowing of the coronary arteries reduces the supply of blood to the heart muscle and may cause angina.
Variant angina usually occurs in the early morning hours or during rest. Coronary artery spasm can also occur in those arteries narrowed by arteriosclerosis. Use of nicotine and cocaine can also cause prinzmetal angina and the spasm of artery wall can lead to a heart attack.
In order to avoid the risk of coronary artery spasm, one must quit smoking and use of nicotine. There are certain heart-healthy foods such as salmon, mackerel, nuts, whole grains and wheat germ that can help maintain the health of your cardiovascular system. These foods contain omega-3 fatty acids and B-vitamins that play an important role in maintaining the health of your heart.
You can also take a dietary supplement on a regular basis that makes use of omega-3 fatty acids in its formulation. Natrol Extreme Omega 3 Fish Oil is a popular brand on the market that supports cardiovascular health, cognitive health, joint health and balanced mood with the super-powered benefits of fish oil. It contains essential omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA in its formulation that are essential for maintaining the health of heart. A daily serving of this supplement provides 430 mg of DHA and 646 mg EPA fatty acids.
