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Peripheral vascular reactivity in patients with variant angina
T Imaizumi1, A Takeshita, M Nakamura
1Research Institute of Angiocardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
Japanese Circulation Journal
|November 1, 1987
Summary
Patients with variant angina do not show increased peripheral vasoconstrictive reactivity. This study investigated forearm vascular responses to cold and vasoactive agents, finding no significant differences compared to other heart disease groups.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Physiology
Background:
- Previous studies indicated a higher prevalence of migraine and Raynaud's phenomenon in variant angina patients.
- This suggested heightened reactivity to vasoconstrictors in the extremities of these individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate forearm vascular responses to vasoconstrictor stimuli in patients with variant angina.
- To compare peripheral vasoconstrictive reactivity between variant angina patients and those with other ischemic heart conditions.
Main Methods:
- Forearm vascular responses were assessed using a cold pressor test and intra-arterial infusions of norepinephrine and angiotensin II.
- Arm blood flow was measured via strain gauge plethysmography, and forearm vascular resistance was calculated.
- Minimal forearm vascular resistance after arterial occlusion was also evaluated.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in forearm vasoconstrictive responses to the cold pressor test were observed between groups.
- Intra-arterial norepinephrine and angiotensin II infusions did not elicit differential vasoconstrictive effects between variant angina patients and controls.
- Minimal forearm vascular resistance after arterial occlusion was comparable in both patient groups.
Conclusions:
- Peripheral vasoconstrictive reactivity is not elevated in patients diagnosed with variant angina.
- The findings do not support the hypothesis that increased peripheral vasoconstriction underlies associated conditions like migraine or Raynaud's phenomenon in variant angina.