Patient information
Microvascular angina
Understanding chest pain related to the small blood vessels of the heart.
What is microvascular angina?
Microvascular angina is chest pain caused by problems in the tiny blood vessels of the heart. These vessels may not deliver enough oxygen to the heart muscle, even when the larger coronary arteries do not have significant narrowing.
A standard angiogram shows the main coronary arteries. It does not directly show how the smallest vessels are functioning, so further assessment may be useful when symptoms persist.
What is invasive microcirculatory assessment?
This is specialist testing performed during a coronary angiogram. A thin tube called a catheter is passed into the arteries supplying the heart, and specialised equipment is used to measure pressure and blood flow. Testing can help assess how the small vessels respond and whether this may explain your symptoms.
How can the results help?
The aim is to understand the cause of your chest pain more precisely and guide a treatment plan. This may be particularly helpful when earlier tests have not shown a significant blockage in the large arteries.
Is it right for everyone?
No. Whether an invasive test is worthwhile depends on your symptoms, previous investigations and medical history. We would discuss what the test may add, alternatives, and the individual risks before deciding together.
A normal-looking angiogram does not automatically mean chest pain is microvascular angina. Other cardiac and non-cardiac explanations may need to be considered.
Private appointments
Let’s talk about your heart health.
Arrange a consultation through the Rowan Suite at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital.
The Rowan Suite · Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital