What condition is characterized by chest pain resulting from coronary artery spasms while at rest?

The condition characterized by chest pain resulting from coronary artery spasms while at rest is indeed variant angina, also known as Prinzmetal's angina. This type of angina is distinct because it occurs unpredictably and is often not provoked by physical exertion or emotional stress, setting it apart from other types of angina.

In variant angina, the coronary arteries temporarily constrict, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, which manifests as chest pain. This spasm can occur in healthy arteries and often happens during periods of rest, particularly at night or early in the morning. Individuals may experience episodes of chest pain that can be severe but typically resolve quickly and may respond to medications like nitroglycerin.

This differentiates it from stable angina, which is typically triggered by physical activity or stress, and unstable angina, which may occur at rest and represents a higher risk of myocardial infarction. Myocardial infarction itself refers to a heart attack caused by prolonged blockage of blood flow, resulting in damage to the heart muscle. Understanding these differences is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.