investigation
Assessment Coronary Microvasculature
In depth assessment of microvascular heart blood supply
What is assessment of coronary microvasculature?
During an invasive coronary angiogram, Dr Shand will place a pressure and temperature measurement wire into one of the heart arteries. Measurements will be taken at rest and during infusion through a drip of vasodilating medication. Following this assessment, Dr Shand will then administer further medication into the heart artery to test for vasospasm
Why would you need assessment of coronary microvasculature?
Some patients continue to describe typical anginal symptoms – that is chest discomfort occurring predominantly with exertion, despite reassuring assessment of the major blood vessels of the heart with either CT coronary or invasive coronary angiography. In some cases, this can be explained by dysfunction of the coronary microvasculature or coronary artery vasospasm. Dr Shand uses a validated testing protocol during invasive coronary angiography to fully assess these aspects of heart artery function. Evidence suggests that this can better direct appropriate therapy and reduce symptom burden.
