Long-Term Prognosis in Patients with Coronary Slow Flow

Amir Mikaeilvand1, Reza Hajizadeh1, Amin Bateni2

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.

Insights

Coronary slow flow (CSF) patients generally have good long-term outcomes. However, regular follow-up is crucial for early detection of adverse cardiovascular events in these individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Clinical Outcomes Research

Background:

  • Coronary slow flow (CSF) is characterized by reduced coronary blood flow velocity and delayed contrast opacification.
  • Limited evidence exists on the long-term course and prognosis of patients with CSF.
  • Understanding CSF's long-term outcomes is essential for refining patient management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes of patients diagnosed with coronary slow flow.
  • To identify potential adverse cardiovascular events and their incidence over an extended follow-up period.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective cohort study involving 213 CSF patients followed from April 2012 to March 2021.
  • Data collection included patient files, telephone follow-ups, and outpatient cardiology clinic assessments.
  • Logistic regression analysis was employed for comparative assessments.

Main Results:

  • The average follow-up duration was approximately 66 months.
  • A small percentage of patients (9.5%) required repeat angiography, with 1.5% experiencing myocardial infarction and 2.5% dying from cardiovascular causes.
  • No patients required coronary artery bypass grafting; 1.5% underwent percutaneous coronary intervention.

Conclusions:

  • Patients with coronary slow flow exhibit favorable long-term prognoses.
  • Continuous monitoring and follow-up are vital for the timely identification and management of cardiovascular complications in CSF patients.
Abstract

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