Cardiology Conference-CVC 2026

Microvascular dysfunction describes a set of abnormalities in the heart’s small blood vessels that disrupt normal blood flow and oxygen delivery. Notably, these issues can provoke angina-like chest pain even when larger coronary arteries appear clear of blockages. This condition serves as a significant factor in coronary microvascular disease (CMD), elevating risks for myocardial ischemia, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and other cardiovascular complications.

Clinically, patients often present with chest discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, and reduced exercise tolerance. Diagnosing microvascular dysfunction remains challenging, typically requiring advanced imaging modalities, coronary flow reserve assessments, or functional testing to evaluate blood flow at the microvascular level.

Management strategies target improved endothelial function, enhanced microcirculation, and mitigation of cardiovascular risk factors. Interventions include lifestyle modifications, structured exercise regimens, optimization of blood pressure and lipid profiles, anti-anginal pharmacotherapy, and careful management of metabolic disorders such as diabetes. Research into novel therapies addressing endothelial dysfunction and vascular inflammation is ongoing, offering hope for future improvements in patient outcomes.

Ultimately, early detection, proactive risk factor modification, and individualized therapeutic approaches are essential for symptom relief and prevention of disease progression in microvascular dysfunction. Recognizing and addressing this often-underappreciated aspect of cardiac disease is critical for delivering comprehensive cardiovascular care.