What condition is indicated by chest pain that occurs specifically at rest due to coronary artery spasms?

Variant angina, also known as Prinzmetal's angina, is characterized by episodes of chest pain that occur at rest due to coronary artery spasms. This type of angina is distinct because the spasms can lead to temporary reductions in blood flow to the heart muscle, resulting in chest discomfort without the usual triggers associated with exertion or stress.

In contrast, unstable angina usually occurs with increased frequency and at rest but is often linked to more prolonged or severe heart conditions, while stable angina is predictable and typically occurs with physical exertion or stress. A myocardial infarction, or heart attack, involves prolonged blockage of blood flow, often resulting in more severe and prolonged pain. In the case of variant angina, the pain is episodic and often relieved by rest or the use of specific medications like nitrates, making it unique among these conditions.