Acute Myocardial Infarction Due To Coronary Artery Spasm Triggered By Psychosocial Trauma

Coronary artery spasm is a special type of ischemic heart disease characterized by spontaneous episodes of chest pain accompanied by transitory ST segment elevations during the episodes. This syndrome may be associated with acute myocardial infarction, ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, as well as with sudden death. Psychosocial stresses are also associated with an increased risk for acute myocardial infarction. We reported a 23 years old, male patient who applied to the emergency department for ongoing chest pain which had begun just after psychosocial trauma arising from heavy business tempo. He had neither ECG, nor cardiac enzym changes during admission, however acute MI with ST elevation occurred while following up period. There was no stenosis in coronary arteries on angiography. Given the typical symptoms, an ergonovine test was considered unnecessary. Administration of Ca-channel blocker and nitrates ameliorated his symptoms. The patient was prescribed a calcium channel blocker at discharge and has had no further chest pain. Finally, we thought that the cause of acute myocardial infarction for this young patient that occurred after vasospasm might be due to sympathetic hyperactivity and psychosocial stresses resulting from heavy work load conditions.