Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 2, 2026

Measurement of Myocardial Lactate Production for Diagnosis of Coronary Microvascular Spasm
Published on: September 17, 2021
The multi-vessel and diffuse coronary spasm is a risk factor for persistent angina in patients received anti-angina
Sang-Ho Park1, Byoung Geol Choi2,3, Seung-Woon Rha3
1Cardiology Department, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Cheonan.
Insights
Multi-vessel and diffuse spasm (MVDS) did not increase major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients with coronary artery spasm (CAS). However, MVDS was linked to more recurrent angina, indicating a need for intensified medical therapy and close follow-up for these patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Clinical Medicine
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Coronary artery spasm (CAS) is a known risk factor for cardiovascular events.
- Limited data exists on whether multi-vessel and diffuse spasm (MVDS) leads to worse clinical outcomes compared to non-MVDS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of MVDS on clinical outcomes over a 3-year follow-up period.
- To compare clinical outcomes among patients with negative spasm (NS), non-MVDS, and MVDS.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, observational registry of 2797 patients undergoing acetylcholine (ACH) provocation test for coronary angiography (CAG) from Nov 2004 to Oct 2010.
- Patients were categorized into NS (n=1188), Non-MVDS (n=1081), and MVDS (n=528) groups.
- Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and recurrent angina were assessed up to 3 years using multivariable Cox-proportional hazards regression analysis.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in total death, myocardial infarction, de novo PCI, or cerebrovascular accident were observed among the three groups over 3 years.
- Recurrent angina occurred significantly more frequently in the MVDS group compared to the NS group (HR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.27-3.02; P=.002).
- The difference in recurrent angina between MVDS and Non-MVDS groups was not statistically significant (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 0.91-2.03; P=.129).
Conclusions:
- While MVDS did not increase the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events, it was associated with a higher rate of recurrent angina.
- Patients with MVDS may require more intensive optimal medical therapy and closer clinical monitoring.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term implications of MVDS on patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Coronary artery spasm (CAS) is known to be a risk factor for cardiovascular events. However, there is limited data whether the multi-vessel and diffuse spasm (MVDS) is related to more adverse clinical outcomes compared to the Non-MVDS. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of the MVDS on clinical outcomes during a 3-year clinical follow-up period.A total 2797 patients underwent coronary angiography (CAG) with acetylcholine (ACH) provocation test from Nov 2004 to Oct 2010 were enrolled. It is a single-center, observational, prospective, all-comers registry designed to reflect the "real world" practic. The patients were divided into the 3 groups; the negative spasm (NS) group (n = 1188), the Non-MVDS group (n = 1081), and the MVDS group (n = 528). The incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and recurrent angina was evaluated up to 3 years. To minimize confounding factors, multivariable Cox-proportional hazards regression analysis was performed.In the 3-year clinical follow-up, the incidence of total death, myocardial infarction, de novo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), cerebrovascular accident and MACE were similar among the 3 groups. However, recurrent angina occurred more frequently in the MVDS group than in the NS group (hazard ratio [HR], 1.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27-3.02; P = .002). Recurrence angina between the MVDS group and the Non-MVDS group was not statistically significant (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 0.91-2.03; P = .129).In this study, although the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events were not different regardless of spasm type, the MVDS was associated with higher incidence of recurrent chest pain requiring repeat CAG during the 3-year follow-up period, suggesting more intensive optimal medical therapy with close clinical follow up would be necessary for this particular subset of patients.
Related Concept Videos
Angina I: Introduction
Angina II: Classification
Angina IV: Management
Angina V: Nursing Management
Angina III: Clinical Manifestations and Assessment
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...

