Microvascular angina

Microvascular angina (MVA), also known as cardiac syndrome X, is a medical condition characterized by symptoms of angina, such as chest pain, despite normal coronary arteries. The cause of microvascular angina is thought to be abnormalities in the tiny blood vessels of the heart, the coronary microvasculature.

Symptoms

The main symptom of microvascular angina is chest pain that varies in severity, frequency, and duration. Other symptoms may include discomfort in the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder, or back, shortness of breath, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.

Causes

Microvascular angina is caused by problems with the small blood vessels in the heart. These problems can include damage or disease in the walls of the blood vessels, or spasms in the blood vessels.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of microvascular angina can be challenging, as standard tests used to diagnose heart disease may not detect abnormalities in the small blood vessels. Tests that may be used include an exercise stress test, coronary angiography, and non-invasive imaging tests.

Treatment

Treatment for microvascular angina focuses on relieving symptoms and may include medications to improve blood flow, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and a healthy diet, and sometimes, procedures to improve blood flow to the heart muscle.

See also

• Angina
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart disease

References

Microvascular angina Resources
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