The Use of Calcium Channel Blockers in the Treatment of Coronary Spasm and Atrioventricular Block

Calcium channel blockers have been used in the treatment of coronary artery spasm for many years. However, there is insufficient knowledge about their application to treat atrioventricular block caused by coronary spasm. Clinical data of five patients who were diagnosed with coronary spasm caused by atrioventricular block and treated with calcium channel blockers were retrospectively assessed. The patients had varying degrees of atrioventricular block (confirmed by Holter ECG) and myocardial ischemia-like ST-T changes. Two patients were II type I AVB, two patients II type II AVB, and the remaining one patient was III AVB. All patients were all diagnosed with right coronary artery spasm by coronary angiography. The patients were treated with calcium channel blockers. No patient reported recurrence of chest pain or chest discomfort. On Holter ECG monitoring, no significant myocardial ischemia or atrioventricular block was seen. In conclusion, calcium channel blockers are effective and safe in the treatment of atrioventricular block caused by coronary spasm.