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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
06:39
Intracoronary Acetylcholine Provocation Testing for Assessment of Coronary Vasomotor Disorders
Published on: August 18, 2016
Coronary spasm is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation
Teruhiko Itoh1, Yuji Mizuno, Eisaku Harada
1Division of Cardiology, Kumamoto Kinou Hospital, Kumamoto Aging Research Institute, Kumamoto, Japan. teruito@m6.dion.ne.jp
Summary
Minor elevations in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) are linked to coronary spasm. This suggests chronic low-grade inflammation may contribute to ischemic heart disease development.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Inflammation Research
Background:
- Coronary spasm is a key factor in ischemic heart disease.
- Low-grade inflammation may be linked to coronary spasm pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and coronary spasm.
- To explore the role of inflammation in the development of coronary spasm.
Main Methods:
- Acetylcholine provocation tests were performed on 199 patients with chest pain and normal coronary angiograms.
- Patients were categorized into spasm (112) and non-spasm (87) groups.
- Serum hs-CRP levels and coronary risk factors were compared between groups; multivariate analysis was conducted.
Main Results:
- Serum hs-CRP levels were significantly higher in the spasm group (median: 1.2 mg/L) compared to the non-spasm group (median: 0.5 mg/L).
- Multivariate analysis identified hs-CRP (OR 2.28) and smoking history (OR 2.25) as independent predictors of coronary spasm.
- A hs-CRP cutoff value of >= 2 mg/L was associated with coronary spasm.
Conclusions:
- Minor elevations in serum hs-CRP are significantly associated with coronary spasm.
- These findings suggest that chronic low-grade inflammation plays a role in the pathogenesis of coronary spasm.
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