Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction: Identification, Special Populations, and Management Strategies

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Vascular Biology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is a common condition often missed, leading to poor cardiovascular health.
• Its development involves changes in the small heart vessels, worsened by blockages in larger heart arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD).
• To highlight diagnostic methods and emerging therapeutic strategies for CMD.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on CMD pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Focus on advanced imaging techniques like Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR).

Main Results:

• CMD is characterized by structural and functional issues in coronary microvasculature.
• Accurate diagnosis requires specialized imaging to assess myocardial perfusion and blood flow reserve.
• Risk factor management and symptom control are key to treatment.

Conclusions:

• CMD is a significant contributor to adverse cardiovascular events.
• Emerging therapies for diabetes, obesity, and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction show promise for CMD management.