[Microvascular angina in women: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge]

Abstract

Gender differences play an important role in coronary heart disease (CHD). Not only in the presentation of symptoms, but also in their underlying pathophysiology. Women with persistent angina without obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Half of these women have microvascular coronary dysfunction (MCD). The 2013 guidelines on management of stable angina now acknowledge this condition, but our understanding of MCD is still limited. In this clinical case presentation we elaborate on contemporary methods of diagnosing and managing microvascular angina based on the cases of two women who attended our outpatient clinic. The availability of non-invasive tools to diagnose MCD is still limited. Current treatment is based on reduction of cardiovascular risk factors but physicians and patients should be aware that although therapy usually reduces symptoms, they do not completely disappear. More research on diagnostic methods and effective therapy for MCD is eagerly awaited.