Which of the following is a common trigger for Prinzmetal's angina?

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Prinzmetal's angina, also known as variant angina, is specifically associated with coronary vasospasm, which is a sudden constriction of the coronary arteries that reduces blood flow to the heart. This condition can lead to episodes of chest pain that typically occur at rest, often during nighttime or early morning hours. The characteristic feature of Prinzmetal's angina is that the pain is relieved by the use of nitroglycerin or by the patient simply resting.

While physical exertion, stress, and cold weather can trigger other forms of angina or chest pain associated with coronary artery disease, they are not the primary mechanisms behind Prinzmetal's angina. In this condition, the underlying pathophysiology revolves around the abnormal functioning of the smooth muscle in the coronary arteries, leading to temporary spasms that can occur without any exertion or apparent stress. This distinct aspect sets it apart from other anginas triggered by increased myocardial oxygen demand.

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