Coronary microvascular dysfunction

Minerva Cardioangiol. 2020 Apr;68(2):153-163. doi: 10.23736/S0026-4725.20.05070-7. Epub 2020 Feb 20.

Abstract

Patients with coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMVD) represent a widespread population and despite the good prognosis, many of them have a poor quality of life with strong limitations in their daily activities because of the angina symptoms. This article summarizes the most frequent clinical presentation pictures like stable and unstable microvascular angina. Main risk factors are discussed, followed by the latest updates on the subject about different pathogenic hypotheses, diagnosis and treatment. Not very well understood microvascular alterations, like slow flow phenomenon and no reflow are discussed and both prognosis and the impact of the disease in the quality of life are analyzed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Coronary Circulation*
  • Coronary Vessels / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Microvascular Angina / physiopathology*
  • No-Reflow Phenomenon / pathology
  • Prognosis
  • Quality of Life
  • Risk Factors