Oxford Microvascular Angina

Frequently asked questions

What is microvascular angina?

Microvascular angina is chest pain caused by issues in the small blood vessels of the heart.

Is microvascular angina the same as INOCA?

Yes and No. Microvascular angina is one of the possible manifestations of INOCA (Ischaemia with Unobstructed Coronary Arteries), encoppassing a series of conditions where blood supply to the heart is compromised or not optimal despite the major arteries (vessels of the heart) are clear from obstrcutions or narrowing.

Can Microvascular Angina be cured?

The short answer is, unfortunately, no, as this remains a chronic and permanent condition. However, when managed with the right combination of lifestyle changes and medical therapy (where necessary) it is possible to minimise the impact this condition can have on your quality of life

How microvascular angina is diagnosed?

It requires a combination of expert consultation, non-invasive imaging test and invasive angiography with so-called coronary physiology tests and provocative tests. Having access to the right specialist or department that can offer you all three above is pivotal for a definitive and accurate diagnosis.

Can Microvascular Angina cause death or heart attack?

Strictly speaking No, however, microvascular angina is a sign of vascular dysfunction which can predispose to an increased risk of heart attack, hence the importance of an accurate diagnosis and management. It has been observed that patient with microvascular angina has a future risk of heart attack comparable to those of patients with a narrowing in one of the three major arteries of the heart

How microvascular angina is treated?

Via a combination of lifestyle changes, cardiovascular risk factors control and medications that can rebalance positively the oxygen demand-supply ratio to the heart muscle. Device-Based therapies are also at the horizon, but still in the realm of clinical investigations and clinical trials. Consulting the right specialist or department will help you to navigate through the various options ad having access even to novel therapies by participation to clinical reserach.