Hello,
You are, unfortunately, describing an all-too-common scenario for many women with Prinzmetal’s (or many other types of cardiac diagnoses, for that matter!)

Your cardiologist can answer your specific medical questions, of course, but according to the Cleveland Clinic, Prinzmetal’s variant angina “does not damage heart muscle, but if a coronary artery spasm is severe and occurs for a long period of time, a heart attack can occur.”

The American Heart Association says: “(Prinzmetal’s angina) doesn’t follow physical exertion or emotional stress. Attacks can be very painful and usually occur between midnight and 8 a.m.”

But every cardiac event and every heart patient is unique. That’s why you must get more info from your doctors to ensure that your diagnosis is correct, and your treatment appropriate for YOU. Meanwhile, your stress level at work needs to be addressed immediately. Chronic stress releases cortisol, adrenaline and other stress hormones that can further damage coronary arteries, and is a serious risk factor for future cardiac events. Read more at “Women’s Heart Disease & Chronic Stress” at: http://myheartsisters.org/2009/06/18/chronic-stress/

Only you can decide if a leave of absence from your “extremely stressful” job is the right step – please tell your doctor immediately that you need help managing this ongoing stress.

Also, if you haven’t done so already, please visit the WomenHeart online community, log in, and do a search for Prinzmetal’s, where you’ll meet many, many women in the same boat who’ll be able to share their experiences with you. It’s a very helpful resource for all women with heart disease: http://www.inspire.com/inspire/group/womenheart/

Good luck to you,
cheers,
C