Differentiation of Vasospastic Angina from Noncardiac Chest Pain by History and Coronary Risk Factors in Patients with Chest Pain at Rest

Abstract

To determine the efficacy of the medical interview and the coronary risk factor profile in differentiating vasospastic angina from other causes of chest pain, we examined 59 patients who underwent diagnostic coronary angiography with selective intracoronary injection of acetylcholine. In the medical interview, a questionnaire on the characteristics of chest pain and additional symptoms was given. We examined coronary risk factors from laboratory tests, life history, and physical examination. Chest pain accompanied by cold sweat and occurring in the early morning was the only significant discriminating information; the location of pain and the duration were not discriminating. Classic coronary risk factors did not differ between vasospastic angina and noncardiac chest pain except for gender. We conclude that history taking is the most important means to distinguish vasospastic angina from other causes of chest pain.