QUIET WARRIOR - Rationale and design: An ancillary study to the Women's IschemiA TRial to Reduce Events in

Osama Dasa1, Eileen Handberg1, Damini Dey2

  • 1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States of America.

Insights

This study investigates Ischemia with No Obstructive Coronary Arteries (INOCA) in women, a condition often overlooked. Findings will improve risk prediction for major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in women with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD).

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Imaging
  • Women's Health

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease, particularly ischemic heart disease (IHD), is a leading cause of death in US women.
  • Women with IHD often present with atypical symptoms, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
  • Many women experience major adverse cardiac events (MACE) despite having non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) on standard angiography.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) data and biorepository samples from the WARRIOR trial.
  • To improve predictive tools for adverse outcomes in women with Ischemia with No Obstructive Coronary Arteries (INOCA).
  • To uncover pathophysiological mechanisms underlying angina and MACE in women with INOCA.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of CCTA images from 600 WARRIOR participants.
  • Assessment of clinical, social, and coronary artery variables, including plaque characteristics and inflammatory markers.
  • Utilization of advanced imaging and machine learning to quantify plaque features and predict outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Elucidation of associations between CCTA-derived plaque characteristics, ischemic symptoms, and MACE.
  • Identification of correlations between specific plaque attributes and angina severity.
  • Novel insights into the role of inflammatory markers and socioeconomic factors in cardiovascular risk.

Conclusions:

  • The QUIET WARRIOR sub-study enhances understanding of INOCA in women.
  • Integration of clinical, imaging, and socioeconomic data improves risk prediction for personalized therapy.
  • This research addresses critical gaps in non-obstructive CAD management, promoting equitable cardiovascular care.
Abstract