Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2025
Oxygenation-sensitive Cardiac MRI with Vasoactive Breathing Maneuvers for the Non-invasive Assessment of Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction
Published on: August 17, 2022
Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction: Insights on Prognosis and Future Perspectives
Filippo Luca Gurgoglione1, Giorgio Benatti2, Andrea Denegri2
1Division of Cardiology, University of Parma, Parma University Hospital, 14 - 43126 Parma, Italy.
Insights
Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) causes heart problems and impacts quality of life. This review covers CMD
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) involves abnormalities in small heart vessels, leading to ischemia.
- CMD is increasingly recognized as a significant contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
- It is linked to major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathogenesis and diagnostic methods for CMD.
- To summarize current evidence on the prognostic implications of CMD.
- To provide an overview of emerging therapeutic strategies for CMD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on coronary microvascular dysfunction.
- Synthesis of information on CMD pathogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.
- Focus on contemporary evidence and novel therapeutic approaches.
Main Results:
- CMD encompasses structural and functional issues of the coronary microcirculation.
- CMD is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including MACEs and heart failure.
- Prognostic impact of CMD is significant, affecting patient quality of life.
Conclusions:
- Understanding CMD pathogenesis and diagnosis is crucial for patient management.
- CMD carries a substantial prognostic burden.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are under investigation to improve outcomes for patients with CMD.
Abstract:
Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) comprises a wide spectrum of structural and/or functional abnormalities of coronary microcirculation that can lead to myocardial ischemia. Emerging evidence has indicated that CMD is a relevant cause of morbidity and mortality and is associated with a high risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction as well as poor quality of life. This review aims to elucidate briefly the pathogenesis and diagnostic modalities of CMD and to shed light on contemporary evidence on the prognostic impact of CMD. Finally, we will provide an overview of novel emerging therapeutic strategies for CMD.
