If you’re experiencing long-lasting chest pain despite receiving negative heart test results, the issue is not just in your head. It could be coronary microvascular disease, a common yet under-diagnosed condition that often affects women.

Memorial Healthcare System has one of the few programs in the region with cardiologists specializing in this condition. We offer advanced tests and research-based therapies that relieve symptoms so you can move forward with your life.

What Is Coronary Microvascular Disease?

This condition is caused by reduced blood flow due to malfunction and damage to the walls of the heart’s smallest arteries. These vessels are about the width of a few human hairs and deliver oxygen and nutrients to heart tissue.

Unlike other forms of heart disease, this condition is not due to a blockage in a large blood vessel. Despite severe symptoms, blood tests and electrocardiograms (EKGs) may show no evidence of heart disease. However, coronary microvascular disease can cause a heart attack, which is why timely care from knowledgeable specialists like ours is essential.

The condition is also known as: 

• Cardiac syndrome X
• Coronary microvascular dysfunction
• Microvascular angina (chest pain)
• Nonobstructive coronary heart disease

Is the Women’s Chest Pain and Microvascular Disease Clinic Right for Me?

Microvascular dysfunction causes chest discomfort that may occur with physical activity or at rest. Symptoms may worsen with mental stress.

The condition can happen in younger women, so it’s never too soon to seek care. If you have long-lasting chest pain and a recent heart catheterization (procedure to check for blood vessel blockages) showed no significant issues, contact us to find out how we can help.

You may also wish to speak with us if you have microvascular disease risk factors, such as: 

• Autoimmune disorders, like vasculitis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis
• Smoking
• Sedentary lifestyle with infrequent bouts of physical activity
• Other health issues, like diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure
• Diet that’s high in saturated fats
• Obesity
• Low estrogen levels

Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction Can Feel Like a Heart Attack

Damage from microvascular disease can cause spasms in the tiny cardiac blood vessels. You may experience symptoms similar to a heart attack, including:

• Chest pain
• Nausea and dizziness
• Pain that radiates to your jaw or down your back
• Shortness of breath, even with light activity
• Sleep issues, like insomnia
• Unusual tiredness (fatigue)

If you think you’re having a heart attack, dial 911. The sooner you receive care, the better your chances of survival. 

Diagnosing Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction

Many heart tests don’t detect microvascular disease because the vessels and damaged areas are so small. Memorial is home to microvascular disease specialists who perform sophisticated testing to confirm or rule out the condition with confidence. This level of care isn’t widely available in South Florida. 

You receive gold-standard microvascular disease testing involving cardiac catheterization with coronary flow reserve. The procedure involves advancing long, thin tubes (catheters) through a tiny incision to access your heart. Instruments at the catheter tip measure the microvessel’s ability to quickly expand and transport blood. Coronary flow reserve indicates your heart’s ability to pump more blood when you need it, like when you’re exercising. It also helps cardiologists plan appropriate treatment.

Treatment for Long-Lasting Chest Pain and Microvascular Disease

 Coronary microvascular disease treatment typically involves medications to help the vessels work more effectively. We may prescribe baby aspirin, statins, calcium-channel blockers and other heart medications. If symptoms are severe and long-lasting, you may benefit from cardiac rehab to help you safely get moving again.

Women’s Chest Pain and Microvascular Disease Clinic: Why Choose Us?

When you come to Memorial for chest pain and coronary microvascular disease care, you’ll find: 

• Women’s heart disease specialists: Cardiologists specializing in the unique issues and risk factors that women face guide your care. We stay current on the latest microvascular disease research so you can feel confident about our recommendations. Meet our team. 
• Compassion: If you’re experiencing microvascular disease symptoms despite previous heart evaluations, don’t lose hope. We understand what you’re going through and are here for you. Our vast experience helps us accurately diagnose your condition so that you receive effective treatment.
• Advanced testing: We are one of a few programs in Florida offering cardiac catheterization with specialized testing for microvascular dysfunction, such as coronary flow reserve. Our experience from performing a high volume of these procedures leads to accurate results and better outcomes. 
• Convenience: Your life is busy, so we try to make it easy to fit heart care into your schedule. You can manage appointments and review test results via MemorialMyChart, our online patient portal. This service also lets you send secure messages to our team between appointments.