Study of Sex Differences in Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction Using Coronary Flow Reserve in Adults with Non-Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating differences between men and women in coronary microvascular dysfunction in patients who experience chest pain but have less than 50% narrowing of their coronary arteries. This observational study focuses on evaluating coronary flow reserve, which reflects how well the small blood vessels in the heart work when larger arteries do not have significant blockages. The study is sponsored by Korea University Anam Hospital and includes patients aged 20 to 80 years with non-obstructive coronary artery disease. To assess coronary microvascular function, participants will undergo adenosine stress echocardiography using ultrasound imaging of the hearts blood flow. Blood flow velocities in the coronary artery will be measured at baseline and at 1, 2, and 3 minutes after an adenosine infusion, which helps to stress the heart and reveal microvascular function. Patients will have certain heart medications stopped before the test to avoid interference. This detailed imaging process helps evaluate how the small vessels respond under stress. During the study, participants will be monitored for clinical outcomes over one year, including death from any cause, heart attacks, strokes, and hospitalizations for heart failure. The researchers will collect and analyze echocardiographic images and coronary blood flow measurements. This observation aims to better understand how coronary microvascular dysfunction differs by sex and its impact on heart health in patients without significant artery blockages.

Sex Difference of Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction in Patients With Non-obstructive Coronary Artery Disease