In patients with pre-existing coronary artery disease, triptans may cause which adverse event?

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Multiple Choice

In patients with pre-existing coronary artery disease, triptans may cause which adverse event?

Triptans work by activating 5-HT1B/1D receptors on vascular smooth muscle to cause constriction of cranial arteries to relieve migraine. That same constrictive effect can extend to the coronary arteries. In patients with known coronary artery disease, constriction of these vessels can reduce blood flow to the myocardium, precipitating myocardial ischemia and potentially a myocardial infarction. That’s why the adverse event most associated with triptans in this population is myocardial infarction. Hypotension is unlikely because the drug promotes vasoconstriction rather than dilation. Pulmonary embolism and atrial fibrillation are not typical direct adverse effects of triptans.

Triptans work by activating 5-HT1B/1D receptors on vascular smooth muscle to cause constriction of cranial arteries to relieve migraine. That same constrictive effect can extend to the coronary arteries. In patients with known coronary artery disease, constriction of these vessels can reduce blood flow to the myocardium, precipitating myocardial ischemia and potentially a myocardial infarction. That’s why the adverse event most associated with triptans in this population is myocardial infarction.

Hypotension is unlikely because the drug promotes vasoconstriction rather than dilation. Pulmonary embolism and atrial fibrillation are not typical direct adverse effects of triptans.

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