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Merdler I, Wallace R, Hill AP, Chitturi KR, Medranda GA, Reddy P, Zhang C, Ozturk ST, Sawant V, Weintraub WS, Lopez K, Ben-Dor I, Waksman R, Hashim HD, Case BC. From chest pain to coronary functional testing: Clinical and economic impact of coronary microvascular dysfunction. CARDIOVASCULAR REVASCULARIZATION MEDICINE 2024; 66:56-60. [PMID: 38637194 DOI: 10.1016/j.carrev.2024.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronary functional testing to formally diagnose coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) reduces cardiovascular events and alleviates angina. This study aims to investigate the extensive and complex journey that patients with CMD undergo, from the onset of chest pain to eventual diagnosis. METHODS Data from the Coronary Microvascular Disease Registry (CMDR) were analyzed, including information on the date of first documentation of chest pain, number of non-invasive and invasive tests the patient underwent, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations. In addition, we estimated the total cost per patient. A total of 61 patients with CMD diagnosis were included in this analysis. RESULTS Most patients in our cohort were older than 50 years of age. The median time from initial chest pain symptoms to diagnosis was 0.62 (interquartile range [IQR]: 0.06-2.96) years. During this period, patients visited the emergency department a median of 1.0 (IQR: 0.0-2.0) times. Diagnostic tests included 3.0 (IQR: 2.0-6.0) electrocardiograms, 3.0 (IQR: 0.0-6.0) high-sensitivity troponin tests, and 1.0 (IQR: 1.0-2.0) echocardiograms. Prior to diagnosis of CMD, 13 (21.3 %) patients had left heart catheterization without coronary functional testing. Non-invasive testing for ischemia was conducted in 43 (70.5 %) patients. Alternative non-cardiac diagnoses were given to 11 (18.0 %) patients during the diagnostic process, with referrals made to gastroenterology for 16 (26.2 %) and pulmonology for 10 (16.4 %) patients. The cost was almost $2000/patient. CONCLUSION Timely identification of CMD offers promising opportunities for prompt symptom alleviation, accompanied by reduced visits to the emergency department, cardiovascular testing, invasive medical procedures, and consequently reduced healthcare expenses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilan Merdler
- Section of Interventional Cardiology, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Ryan Wallace
- Section of Interventional Cardiology, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Andrew P Hill
- Section of Interventional Cardiology, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Kalyan R Chitturi
- Section of Interventional Cardiology, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Giorgio A Medranda
- Division of Cardiology, NYU Langone Hospital - Long Island, Mineola, NY, United States of America
| | - Pavan Reddy
- Section of Interventional Cardiology, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Section of Interventional Cardiology, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Sevket Tolga Ozturk
- Section of Interventional Cardiology, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Vaishnavi Sawant
- Section of Interventional Cardiology, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - William S Weintraub
- Section of Interventional Cardiology, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Kassandra Lopez
- Section of Interventional Cardiology, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Itsik Ben-Dor
- Section of Interventional Cardiology, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Ron Waksman
- Section of Interventional Cardiology, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, United States of America.
| | - Hayder D Hashim
- Section of Interventional Cardiology, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Brian C Case
- Section of Interventional Cardiology, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
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Tudurachi A, Anghel L, Tudurachi BS, Zăvoi A, Ceasovschih A, Sascău RA, Stătescu C. Beyond the Obstructive Paradigm: Unveiling the Complex Landscape of Nonobstructive Coronary Artery Disease. J Clin Med 2024; 13:4613. [PMID: 39200755 PMCID: PMC11354865 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13164613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 08/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Traditionally focused on obstructive atherosclerosis, contemporary research indicates that up to 70% of patients undergoing coronary angiography for angina and ischemic symptoms do not exhibit significant stenoses. Nonobstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) has emerged as a prevalent phenotype among these patients. This review emphasizes the emerging understanding that nonobstructive coronary artery disease, encompassing conditions such as ANOCA (Angina with No Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease), INOCA (Ischemia with No Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease), and MINOCA (Myocardial Infarction with No Obstructive Coronary Arteries), represents the most prevalent phenotype in cardiac patients. It delves into the complex pathophysiology underlying these conditions, focusing on microvascular dysfunction and coronary vasoreactivity, which contribute to myocardial ischemia despite the absence of significant coronary obstructions. Additionally, the review critically examines the limitations of current treatments which primarily target obstructive lesions and underscores the necessity for tailored therapies that address the specific microvascular and immunoinflammatory pathways involved in nonobstructive CAD. The main focus of this review is to advocate for a shift in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to better identify and manage this widely prevalent yet under-recognized subset of CAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Tudurachi
- Cardiology Department, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute “Prof. Dr. George I. M. Georgescu”, 700503 Iași, Romania; (A.T.); (A.Z.); (R.A.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Larisa Anghel
- Cardiology Department, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute “Prof. Dr. George I. M. Georgescu”, 700503 Iași, Romania; (A.T.); (A.Z.); (R.A.S.); (C.S.)
- Internal Medicine Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700503 Iași, Romania;
| | - Bogdan-Sorin Tudurachi
- Cardiology Department, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute “Prof. Dr. George I. M. Georgescu”, 700503 Iași, Romania; (A.T.); (A.Z.); (R.A.S.); (C.S.)
- Internal Medicine Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700503 Iași, Romania;
| | - Alexandra Zăvoi
- Cardiology Department, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute “Prof. Dr. George I. M. Georgescu”, 700503 Iași, Romania; (A.T.); (A.Z.); (R.A.S.); (C.S.)
- Internal Medicine Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700503 Iași, Romania;
| | - Alexandr Ceasovschih
- Internal Medicine Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700503 Iași, Romania;
- “St. Spiridon” Clinical Emergency Hospital, Independence Boulevard No. 1, 700111 Iasi, Romania
| | - Radu Andy Sascău
- Cardiology Department, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute “Prof. Dr. George I. M. Georgescu”, 700503 Iași, Romania; (A.T.); (A.Z.); (R.A.S.); (C.S.)
- Internal Medicine Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700503 Iași, Romania;
| | - Cristian Stătescu
- Cardiology Department, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute “Prof. Dr. George I. M. Georgescu”, 700503 Iași, Romania; (A.T.); (A.Z.); (R.A.S.); (C.S.)
- Internal Medicine Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700503 Iași, Romania;
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Zhang Y, Yin X, Ren L. A Randomized Controlled Study of Enhanced External Counterpulsation with Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients with Nonobstructive Coronary Artery Disease and Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction. Int Heart J 2024; 65:380-385. [PMID: 38749752 DOI: 10.1536/ihj.23-454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Treatment with enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) or cardiac rehabilitation (CR) benefits patients with coronary heart disease; this paper intends to explore the feasibility of EECP combined with CR in patients with nonobstructive coronary heart disease (NOCAD) and coronary microcirculation disorders (CMD).In January 2021-2022 month June our income NOCAD patients as the research object, the line of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR) < 2.0 coronary microcirculation disorders (CMD, 80 cases). Random indicator method 80 CMD patients divided into two groups, 40 cases in each. Usual treatment group: conventional drugs and CR therapy. EECP treatment group: on the basis of standard treatment group, employ EECP therapy. Comparing the two groups before and after the treatment curative effect cardiac function index, endothelial unction index, adverse cardiovascular events, etc.After EECP treatment, the treatment group showed a higher effective rate compared to the usual treatment group (P < 0.05). EECP group curative effect, left ventricular ejection fraction,plasma NO and vascular endothelial growth factor levels higher than the usual group, the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events is lower than the usual group. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).EECP combined with cardiac rehabilitation in patients with CMD symptoms has better effect and safety and provides reference for treatment of CMD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanzhuo Zhang
- Bengbu Medical College, Fuyang Peoples Hospital Affiliated to Bengbu Medical College
| | - Xiaoyan Yin
- Bengbu Medical College, Fuyang Peoples Hospital Affiliated to Bengbu Medical College
| | - Lei Ren
- Bengbu Medical College, Fuyang Peoples Hospital Affiliated to Bengbu Medical College
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Stangret A, Sadowski KA, Jabłoński K, Kochman J, Opolski G, Grabowski M, Tomaniak M. Chemokine Fractalkine and Non-Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease-Is There a Link? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3885. [PMID: 38612695 PMCID: PMC11012077 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-obstructive coronary artery disease (NO-CAD) constitutes a heterogeneous group of conditions collectively characterized by less than 50% narrowing in at least one major coronary artery with a fractional flow reserve (FFR) of ≤0.80 observed in coronary angiography. The pathogenesis and progression of NO-CAD are still not fully understood, however, inflammatory processes, particularly atherosclerosis and microvascular dysfunction are known to play a major role in it. Chemokine fractalkine (FKN/CX3CL1) is inherently linked to these processes. FKN/CX3CL1 functions predominantly as a chemoattractant for immune cells, facilitating their transmigration through the vessel wall and inhibiting their apoptosis. Its concentrations correlate positively with major cardiovascular risk factors. Moreover, promising preliminary results have shown that FKN/CX3CL1 receptor inhibitor (KAND567) administered in the population of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), inhibits the adverse reaction of the immune system that causes hyperinflammation. Whereas the link between FKN/CX3CL1 and NO-CAD appears evident, further studies are necessary to unveil this complex relationship. In this review, we critically overview the current data on FKN/CX3CL1 in the context of NO-CAD and present the novel clinical implications of the unique structure and function of FKN/CX3CL1 as a compound which distinctively contributes to the pathomechanism of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Stangret
- Chair and Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1b, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Karol Artur Sadowski
- 1st Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1a, 01-267 Warsaw, Poland; (K.A.S.); (K.J.); (J.K.); (G.O.); (M.G.)
| | - Konrad Jabłoński
- 1st Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1a, 01-267 Warsaw, Poland; (K.A.S.); (K.J.); (J.K.); (G.O.); (M.G.)
| | - Janusz Kochman
- 1st Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1a, 01-267 Warsaw, Poland; (K.A.S.); (K.J.); (J.K.); (G.O.); (M.G.)
| | - Grzegorz Opolski
- 1st Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1a, 01-267 Warsaw, Poland; (K.A.S.); (K.J.); (J.K.); (G.O.); (M.G.)
| | - Marcin Grabowski
- 1st Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1a, 01-267 Warsaw, Poland; (K.A.S.); (K.J.); (J.K.); (G.O.); (M.G.)
| | - Mariusz Tomaniak
- 1st Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1a, 01-267 Warsaw, Poland; (K.A.S.); (K.J.); (J.K.); (G.O.); (M.G.)
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Klemenc M, Budihna G, Kranjec I. Diffuse non-obstructive coronary artery disease: two clinical faces of the same disease-a case report. Eur Heart J Case Rep 2024; 8:ytad605. [PMID: 38173781 PMCID: PMC10762887 DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytad605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Background Coronary artery disease has a long preclinical phase before manifesting itself clinically due to diffuse non-obstructive disease, stenoses, or thrombosis. Case summary We present a case of a middle-aged male complaining of atypical chest pain, then severe retrosternal pain, and, eventually, effort angina. We performed non-invasive testing, coronary angiography, intravascular imaging, and flow reserve tests, each as appropriate. Cardiovascular risk control, optimization of drug therapy, and percutaneous coronary intervention were considered trying to comply with the best clinical practice. Discussion Diffuse non-obstructive coronary artery disease may present clinically in different ways. Exercise stress test might be sufficient to assess effort angina before a potential angiography. Flow reserve tests across the diseased vessel can distinguish between diffuse and focal pattern of the disease and assist in the adequate selection of therapy. Finally, intravascular imaging is invaluable for the assessment of the plaque risk features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matjaž Klemenc
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, General Hospital of Nova Gorica, Padlih borcev 13A, Šempeter pri Gorici 5290, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Budihna
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, General Hospital of Nova Gorica, Padlih borcev 13A, Šempeter pri Gorici 5290, Slovenia
| | - Igor Kranjec
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Stangret A, Dykacz W, Jabłoński K, Wesołowska A, Klimczak-Tomaniak D, Kochman J, Tomaniak M. The cytokine trio - visfatin, placental growth factor and fractalkine - and their role in myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA). Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2023; 74:76-85. [PMID: 37679252 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2023.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) remains a puzzling clinical entity. It is characterized by clinical evidence of myocardial infarction (MI) with normal or near-normal coronary arteries in angiography. Given the complex etiology including multiple possible scenarios with varied pathogenetic mechanisms, profound investigation of the plausible biomarkers of MINOCA may bring further pathophysiological insights and novel diagnostic opportunities. Cytokines have a great diagnostic potential and are used as biomarkers for many diseases. An unusual trio of visfatin, placental growth factor (PlGF) and fractalkine (CX3CL1) can directly promote vascular dysfunction, inflammation and angiogenesis through the activation of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling. They are redundant in physiological processes and become overexpressed in the pathomechanisms underlying MINOCA. The knowledge about their concentration might serve as a valuable diagnostic and/or therapeutic tool for assessing vascular endothelial function. Here we analyze the current knowledge on visfatin, PlGF and CX3CL1 in the context of MINOCA and present the novel clinical implications of their combined expression as predictors or indicators of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Stangret
- Department of Human Physiology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938 Warsaw, Poland; College of Medical Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus Superior School, Nowogrodzka 47a, 00-695 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Weronika Dykacz
- First Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1A, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Konrad Jabłoński
- First Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1A, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Wesołowska
- First Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1A, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dominika Klimczak-Tomaniak
- Department of Cardiology, Hypertension and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland; Department of Immunology, Transplantation and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Janusz Kochman
- First Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1A, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mariusz Tomaniak
- First Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1A, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland.
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Xu X, Zhang G, Li Z, Li D, Chen R, Huang C, Li Y, Li B, Yu H, Chu XM. MINOCA biomarkers: Non-atherosclerotic aspects. Clin Chim Acta 2023; 551:117613. [PMID: 37871762 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2023.117613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Myocardial infarction in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA) is an important subtype of myocardial infarction. Although comprising less than 50% stenosis in the main epicardial coronary arteries, it constitutes a severe health risk. A variety of approaches have been recommended, but definitive diagnosis remains elusive. In addition, the lack of a comprehensive understanding of underlying pathophysiology makes clinical management difficult and unpredictable. This review highlights ongoing efforts to identify relevant biomarkers in MINOCA to improve diagnosis, individualize treatment and better predict outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojian Xu
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266100, China.
| | - Guoliang Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266100, China.
| | - Zhaoqing Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266100, China.
| | - Daisong Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266100, China.
| | - Ruolan Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266100, China.
| | - Chao Huang
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266100, China.
| | - Yonghong Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266100, China.
| | - Bing Li
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China; Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China.
| | - Haichu Yu
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266100, China.
| | - Xian-Ming Chu
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266100, China; The Affiliated Cardiovascular Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China.
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Avtaar Singh SS, Nappi F. Pathophysiology and Outcomes of Endothelium Function in Coronary Microvascular Diseases: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials and Multicenter Study. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123010. [PMID: 36551766 PMCID: PMC9775403 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronary macrovascular disease is a concept that has been well-studied within the literature and has long been the subject of debates surrounding coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) vs. Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI). ISCHEMIA trial reported no statistical difference in the primary clinical endpoint between initial invasive management and initial conservative management, while in the ORBITA trial PCI did not improve angina frequency score significantly more than placebo, albeit PCI resulted in more patient-reported freedom from angina than placebo. However, these results did not prove the superiority of the PCI against OMT, therefore do not indicate the benefit of PCI vs. the OMT. Please rephrase the sentence. We reviewed the role of different factors responsible for endothelial dysfunction from recent randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and multicentre studies. METHODS A detailed search strategy was performed using a dataset that has previously been published. Data of pooled analysis include research articles (human and animal models), CABG, and PCI randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Details of the search strategy and the methods used for data pooling have been published previously and registered with Open-Source Framework. RESULTS The roles of nitric oxide (NO), endothelium-derived contracting factors (EDCFs), and vasodilator prostaglandins (e.g., prostacyclin), as well as endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (EDH) factors, are crucial for the maintenance of vasomotor tone within the coronary vasculature. These homeostatic mechanisms are affected by sheer forces and other several factors that are currently being studied, such as vaping. The role of intracoronary testing is crucial when determining the effects of therapeutic medications with further studies on the horizon. CONCLUSION The true impact of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is perhaps underappreciated, which supports the role of medical therapy in determining outcomes. Ongoing trials are underway to further investigate the role of therapeutic agents in secondary prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesco Nappi
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Centre Cardiologique du Nord of Saint-Denis, 93200 Saint-Denis, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-(14)-9334104; Fax: +33-149334119
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