Cardiology Letters 2023, 32(5):313-317

Coronary microvascular dysfunction and vasoprovocative test examination in clinical practice

Studenčan M, Kirsch P, Novotný R, Čurilla E

Oddelenia intervenčnej kardiológie I. kardiologickej kliniky, VÚSCH, a. s. a LF UPJŠ, Košice, Slovenská republika

Microvascular dysfunction is a common cause of myocardial ischemia, which can manifest as angina pectoris, heart failure, or even ACS (acute coronary syndrome). Classic invasive coronary angiography cannot detect this form of CAD (coronary artery disease). Microvascular dysfunction can be detected with a high probability using some non-invasive tests, but today in Slovakia we already have the first experience with an objective invasive examination of microvascular dysfunction, and it is possible to distinguish its functional or structural etiology. Patients with microvascular dysfunction have a worse prognosis than other patients. Diagnosis of microvascular dysfunction is important, as the disease is often overlooked, but patients can have significant difficulties and can even lead to their disability. Medical treatment options are based on classical anti-ischemic drugs, there is also a promising invasive treatment of these patients in the experimental stage.

Keywords: coronary microvascular dysfunction; coronary flow reserve; index of microcirculatory resistance; thermodilution; treatment of microvascular dysfunction

Published: May 1, 2023  Show citation