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

Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is a prevalent and often underdiagnosed condition with significant implications for adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The pathophysiology of CMD includes structural and functional abnormalities in the coronary microvasculature and epicardial atherosclerosis contributes to downstream reduction in myocardial perfusion and symptoms. Diagnosis relies on advanced invasive or noninvasive imaging techniques, such as PET and cardiac magnetic resonance, capable of quantifying myocardial perfusion and myocardial blood flow reserve. Effective management includes optimizing cardiovascular risk factors and symptom control. Novel therapeutic strategies recently approved for management of diabetes, obesity, and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction offer potentially powerful options for management of CMD.