Is there a role for invasive assessment of the coronary microcirculation in patients with unobstructed epicardial coronary arteries in clinical practice?

Registries demonstrate that up to 49% of patients undergoing coronary angiography for investigation for angina-type chest pain, do not have significant epicardial coronary stenosis [1]. The Women's Ischemic Syndrome Evaluation (WISE) databases suggest that at least 3 to 4 million women and men with signs or symptoms suggestive of myocardial ischaemia have no obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) [2]. Such individuals have major morbidity and incur significant ongoing healthcare costs similar to those patients with obstructive CAD, driven by repeat investigations and hospitalisation for angina [2].
Source: International Journal of Cardiology - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Editorial Source Type: research