Corona Regional Launches Innovative CMD Testing

CRMC is just the second hospital in the Inland Empire of Southern California to offer coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) testing in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Using Abbott’s Coroventis CoroFlow system, cardiologists can analyze, test and treat the heart for complex issues like CMD and blood flow conditions,

Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) refers to a heart condition in which small blood vessels (“vascular”) that supply blood to the heart muscle are not working properly. The small arteries throughout the heart are not able to deliver enough oxygen to the heart muscle. 

Structural abnormalities, such as thickening of vessel walls or reduced density of capillaries, can also impair blood flow regulation. This leads to inefficient blood flow in and around the tiny arterioles and capillaries within the heart, causing possible heart attack and stroke.  

Causes and symptoms of CMD

Coronary microvascular dysfunction is a distinct form of heart disease that has been underdiagnosed and under-treated, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  Newer imaging technologies and interventional testing have enabled cardiologists to make a CMD diagnosis and take early, appropriate actions.

CMD predominantly affects women, especially after menopause, though it can also occur in men. Women with CMD may experience different symptoms than men, which can make diagnosis and treatment more difficult. Women may also have a worse prognosis than men with higher rates of cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure and death. 

Signs of mitrovascular disorders can include: 

  • Chest pain squeezing or discomfort (angina)
  • Heart pressure, squeezing and heaviness
  • Angina that gets worse with physical activity or stress 
  • Discomfort in the left arm, jaw, neck, back or abdomen  
  • Shortness of breath 
  • Fatigue and lack of energy 

Risk factors for ​​CDM 

Causes and risk factors of coronary microvascular dysfunction are quite similar to traditional coronary artery diseases, including: 

Diabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessel walls and possibly harm connective tissue.

Hypertension. Elevated blood pressure can cause changes in blood vessels and affect their ability to dilate and contract.

Obesity. Excess body weight can lead to metabolic changes that affect vascular function and blood flow.

High cholesterol. Elevated cholesterol levels can contribute to atherosclerosis and affect blood vessel function.

Smoking. Tobacco smoke contains chemicals that damage blood vessels and impair cellular function, which involves inflammation, blood flow and immunology.  

Age and gender. CMD is more common in older people and disproportionately affects women, especially after menopause.

What’s the role of inflammation in CMD?

Chronic inflammation within the heart and other internal organs can occur due to conditions like diabetes, hypertension or cell-damaging autoimmune disorders. Inflammatory processes can also lead to atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of arteries), which may affect the larger coronary arteries. 

Hormonal factors, such as estrogen levels in women after menopause, can influence cellular function and contribute to CMD. It can take years for hidden inflammation to harm your health, though, raising your risk for heart attack and stroke. 

Low-grade inflammation plays important roles in CMD, especially in patients with coronary artery disease, obesity, heart failure and rheumatoid arthritis. Unhealthy diet and lifestyle habits may also affect microvascular patients and increase inflammation, according to the NIH.   

Avoid or limit foods that can lead to inflammation:

  • White (highly processed) bread
  • Fried foods
  • Red and processed meats
  • Sugary drinks (soda and concentrated juice) 
  • Sweet breakfast foods (cake, cookies, some cereals) 

Keep in mind, it can take months or years for inflammation in the body and heart to build and cause damage to the microvascular system. It won’t go away overnight and the patient may need testing, diagnosis, surgery or other cardiovascular procedures to keep their heart and blood vessels healthy for a long time to come.

Find a doctor 

Call the free physician referral service at Corona Regional Medical Center in California, call 800-882-4362 or search for a cardiologist referral online.

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if you’re experiencing a medical emergency such as chest pain, shortness of breath or other life threatening condition.