Cardiac spasm is a condition in which the heart muscle contracts involuntarily, leading to a decrease in blood flow to the heart. The diagnosis of cardiac spasm is typically made using a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests.
The doctor will take a detailed medical history of the patient, including any risk factors for cardiac spasm, such as prior heart attack, coronary artery disease, and high blood pressure. The patient may also be asked about any chest pain or other symptoms they may have experienced.
During the physical examination, the doctor will listen to the patient’s heart and lungs to check for abnormalities. The doctor may also feel the patient’s pulse and check for any signs of a decreased blood flow to the heart, such as a decrease in the pulse rate.
In order to confirm the diagnosis of cardiac spasm, the doctor may order certain diagnostic tests. These tests may include an electrocardiogram (ECG) to monitor the heart’s electrical activity, an echocardiogram to view the structure of the heart, and a stress test to identify any areas of decreased blood flow to the heart. The doctor may also order blood tests to check for signs of inflammation or infection.
In some cases, the doctor may also order an imaging test, such as a coronary angiogram or computed tomography (CT) scan, to view the blood vessels in the heart. This can help the doctor to identify any blockages or narrowing of the coronary arteries that could be causing the cardiac spasm.
Once the doctor has identified any underlying causes of the cardiac spasm, they can then determine the best course of treatment. Treatment may include lifestyle modifications, such as quitting smoking and exercising regularly, as well as medications to control blood pressure and reduce inflammation. In some cases, surgery or a procedure called cardiac catheterization may be necessary.