What is NOT considered a cause of arterial spasm?

Impaired circulation is not considered a cause of arterial spasm because arterial spasms typically result from factors that directly irritate or stimulate the arterial walls, leading to their contraction. Emotional stress, mechanical irritation, and chemical irritation are recognized as potential triggers for spasms.

Emotional stress can activate the sympathetic nervous system, prompting the release of vasoconstrictors that provoke arterial spasm. Mechanical irritation may occur due to physical trauma or the presence of medical devices like stents, causing localized reactions in the arterial wall. Chemical irritation can stem from the presence of certain drugs, toxins, or inflammatory substances that directly affect vascular smooth muscle.

In contrast, while impaired circulation may result from various underlying conditions, it does not typically provoke spasms but rather signifies a compromise in blood flow, which could be a consequence of an underlying issue rather than a direct cause of arterial contraction.