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Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial-Dependent Flow-Mediated Vasodilation of the Brachial Artery in Clinical Research
08:42

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Published on: October 22, 2014

Endothelial dysfunction and coronary artery spasm

Hiroaki Kawano1, Hisao Ogawa

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kumamoto University School of Medicine, Honjo, Kumamoto City, Japan. koumei@gpo.kumamoto-u.ac.jp

Current Drug Targets. Cardiovascular & Haematological Disorders
|March 23, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Coronary spasm is a significant factor in various heart conditions, particularly in Japanese patients with angina pectoris. Research suggests a link between coronary artery endothelial dysfunction and the occurrence of coronary spasm.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Physiology

Background:

  • Coronary spasm is implicated in the pathogenesis of variant angina and other coronary heart diseases.
  • Vascular endothelial dysfunction is a critical factor in vascular disease development.
  • Acetylcholine and methacholine induce vasoconstriction in damaged or absent endothelium.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of coronary spasm in angina pectoris.
  • To explore the relationship between endothelial function and coronary spasm.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of coronary spasm incidence in Japanese angina patients.
  • Assessment of patient age distribution in coronary spasm versus stable effort angina.
  • Review of endothelial function mechanisms and acetylcholine/methacholine responses.

Main Results:

  • Coronary spasm incidence was approximately 40% in Japanese angina patients.
  • Patients with coronary spasm were generally younger than those with stable effort angina.
  • Endothelial dysfunction may contribute to coronary spasm induction.

Conclusions:

  • Coronary spasm is a key factor in angina pathogenesis, especially in Japanese populations.
  • Disturbances in coronary artery endothelial function are associated with coronary spasm.

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