Microvascular angina

Microvascular angina
Other namescardiac syndrome X, coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), microvascular coronary disease
SpecialtyCardiology

Microvascular angina (MVA), previously known as cardiac syndrome X,[1] also known as coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) or microvascular coronary disease is a type of angina (chest pain) with signs associated with decreased blood flow to heart tissue but with normal coronary arteries.[2][3]

The use of the term cardiac syndrome X (CSX) can lead to the lack of appreciation of how microvascular angina is a debilitating heart related pain condition with the increased risk of heart attack and other heart problems. Women may have difficulty accessing the specialist care of a cardiologist for this reason.[citation needed]

Some studies have found an increased risk of other vasospastic disorders in cardiac microvascular angina patients, such as migraine and Raynaud's phenomenon. Treatment typically involves beta-blockers, such as metoprolol, however beta blockers can make coronary spasms worse.[4]

Microvascular angina is a separate condition from variant angina.

  1. ^ "All about microvascular angina". www.bhf.org.uk. Retrieved 2023-11-02.
  2. ^ Aldiwani H, Mahdai S, Alhatemi G, Bairey Merz CN (February 2021). "Microvascular Angina: Diagnosis and Management". European Cardiology. 16: e46. doi:10.15420/ecr.2021.15. PMC 8674627. PMID 34950242.
  3. ^ "Coronary Microvascular Disease (Small Vessel Disease): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment". Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  4. ^ "Coronary Artery Spasm - Symptoms and Causes". www.pennmedicine.org. Retrieved 2024-02-13.