Which condition represents pain at rest due to vasospasm of coronary arteries?

Prinzmetal angina, also known as variant angina, specifically occurs due to vasospasm of the coronary arteries, leading to transient episodes of chest pain at rest. Unlike stable angina, which typically arises from increased myocardial oxygen demand during physical activity or stress, or unstable angina, which is characterized by sudden, unpredictable chest pain that can happen at rest and may indicate an impending myocardial infarction, Prinzmetal angina can occur unexpectedly and is often relieved by nitrates or by the administration of calcium channel blockers.

This type of angina is particularly associated with the episodic nature of the pain, which can occur in cycles and is not necessarily correlated with increased physical exertion or other external stressors. The pain can also be more common during certain times, such as at night or in the early morning hours, related to the body's circadian rhythms. Understanding this differentiating characteristic is crucial for managing patients with this specific type of anginal pain.