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Intradermal Microdialysis: An Approach to Investigating Novel Mechanisms of Microvascular Dysfunction in Humans
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A Woman's Heart: The Microvascular Disease Dilemma

Laurie-Anne Boivin-Proulx1, Derek Y F So2, Heather Tulloch3

  • 1Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: http://twitter.com/ProulxBoivin_LA.

The Canadian Journal of Cardiology
|May 20, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Coronary microvascular and vasomotor dysfunction (CMVD) affects more women with cardiac symptoms and nonobstructive coronary artery disease. Recognizing sex-specific differences is crucial for personalized diagnosis and treatment of CMVD.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Women's Health
  • Diagnostic Cardiology

Background:

  • Coronary microvascular and vasomotor dysfunction (CMVD) is a recognized condition presenting with cardiac symptoms in patients with nonobstructive coronary artery disease.
  • CMVD disproportionately affects women, highlighting potential sex-specific differences in its presentation and underlying mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of CMVD pathophysiology.
  • To discuss diagnostic modalities and their limitations.
  • To outline contemporary management strategies, emphasizing multidisciplinary care and patient support.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current research on CMVD.
  • Synthesis of information on pathophysiology, diagnostics, and management.
  • Emphasis on sex-specific differences and future research directions.

Main Results:

  • CMVD pathophysiology is complex and influenced by sex-specific factors.
  • Diagnostic tools for CMVD are advancing but have limitations.
  • Management requires a multidisciplinary approach and personalized strategies.

Conclusions:

  • Recognizing sex-specific differences in CMVD is a priority for improving diagnosis and treatment.
  • Personalized management strategies and further research are essential for addressing CMVD effectively.
  • Multidisciplinary collaboration and patient support are key components of comprehensive CMVD care.

Keywords:
angina with non-obstructive coronary arteriescoronary microvascular and vasomotor dysfunctioncoronary microvascular dysfunctionwomen's heart health

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