Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026
Standardized Rat Coronary Ring Preparation and Real-Time Recording of Dynamic Tension Changes Along Vessel Diameter
Published on: June 16, 2022
[Recognition and treatment of coronary microcirculation dysfunction with TCM]
Yu Lan1, Xiao-Ya Wang1, Zhe-Yuan Liang1
1Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Beijing 100053, China.
Insights
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic approach to treating coronary microcirculation dysfunction, addressing key pathological mechanisms to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Integrative Medicine
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
Background:
- Coronary microcirculation dysfunction involves structural/functional changes in small vessels, impacting myocardial perfusion.
- Current treatments face challenges like low drug efficacy and adverse reactions.
- TCM categorizes this condition as "chest Bi syndrome" or "heart pain," with etiologies including pathogenic factors and lifestyle.
- Core TCM pathogenesis involves Qi stagnation, blood stasis, and phlegm turbidity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the TCM perspective on coronary microcirculation dysfunction.
- To elucidate TCM's multi-target therapeutic strategies and efficacy.
- To outline TCM treatment principles and formula selection for specific syndromes.
Main Methods:
- Review of TCM theory regarding coronary microcirculation dysfunction.
- Analysis of TCM etiological factors and pathogenic mechanisms.
- Identification of key TCM formulas and treatment principles based on syndrome differentiation.
Main Results:
- TCM addresses coronary microcirculation dysfunction through holistic regulation, targeting neuroendocrine, vascular endothelial, inflammatory, oxidative stress, and metabolic pathways.
- TCM interventions aim to alleviate angina, delay progression, improve prognosis, and enhance quality of life.
- Specific TCM formulas are recommended for Qi stagnation (Chaihu Longgu Muli Decoction), blood stasis (Guizhi Fuling Pills, Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction), and phlegm turbidity (Gualou Xiebai Banxia Decoction, Wendan Decoction).
Conclusions:
- TCM provides a comprehensive therapeutic strategy for coronary microcirculation dysfunction by addressing its underlying mechanisms.
- Adherence to TCM principles, including syndrome differentiation and formula selection, is crucial for optimizing treatment efficacy.
- TCM offers a valuable complementary approach to conventional medicine for managing this complex cardiovascular condition.
Abstract:
Coronary microcirculation dysfunction refers to a pathological syndrome characterized by abnormal structural and/or functional changes of the vessels in the microcirculatory systems, including arterioles, venules, and capillaries, which further affect myocardial microperfusion. Although modern medicine has made progress in controlling risk factors and alleviating symptoms, several clinical challenges in treatment remain unresolved, such as low drug response rates, suboptimal therapeutic efficacy, and adverse reactions. TCM can treat the coronary microcirculation dysfunction and achieve the effects of alleviating angina pectoris syndrome, delaying disease progression, improving prognosis, and enhancing patients' quality of life through multiple targets such as regulating neuroendocrine function, improving vascular endothelial function, inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress, and regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as the holistic regulation. Coronary microcirculation dysfunction falls into the categories of "chest Bi syndrome" and "heart pain" in TCM. Its etiologies include exogenous pathogenic cold, emotional disorders, improper diet, and chronic illness-related debility, while the core pathogenesis involves Qi stagnation, blood stasis, and phlegm turbidity. In terms of treatment strategies, Chaihu Longgu Muli Decoction is recommended for Qi stagnation syndrome, Guizhi Fuling Pills and Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction for blood stasis syndrome, and Gualou Xiebai Banxia Decoction and Wendan Decoction for phlegm turbidity syndrome. In clinical practice, the principles of "combining pathogenesis with pathology, and medicinal properties with pharmacology" should be adhered to, along with the theory of correspondence between formula and syndrome. Flexible selection and combination of formulas are essential to enhance therapeutic efficacy.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care
01:28Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
01:26Acute Coronary Syndrome V: Nursing Management
01:26Angina IV: Management
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
01:29Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy