Evaluation of Patients With Non-obstructive Coronary Arteries

Launched by STANFORD UNIVERSITY · Jan 14, 2009

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, called "Sex Differences in Coronary Pathophysiology," is exploring the potential causes of chest pain in individuals who have undergone heart imaging (called coronary angiography) and shown no significant issues with their heart arteries. The study aims to find out if there are hidden problems, like plaque buildup that isn't visible on the imaging, or if the tiny blood vessels and the lining of the heart's blood vessels are not working correctly. A key focus of this research is to see if these issues are more common in women compared to men.

To participate in the trial, individuals must be between the ages of 65 and 74 and have been referred for heart imaging due to suspected heart-related issues, such as chest pain or discomfort in other areas like the back or neck. Participants can expect to undergo additional tests that may help identify any underlying problems with their heart that standard imaging might miss. It’s important to note that certain individuals, such as those who are currently experiencing severe heart conditions or have had specific heart surgeries, will not be eligible for this study.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Patient referred for elective coronary angiography because of a reasonable clinical suspicion of coronary ischemia.
• • 2. Presence of angina or an anginal equivalent (including chest, back, shoulder, arm, neck, jaw discomfort, or shortness of breath brought on by physical exertion, emotional stress, or certain times of day/month).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Asymptomatic (such as a pre-op cath)
• • 2. Status-post heart transplant
• • 3. Age \<18
• • 4. Renal insufficiency (creatinine \>1.5)
• • 5. Presence of an acute coronary syndrome (STEMI or NSTEMI), Tako-tsubo, an abnormal ejection fraction (EF\<55%), cardiogenic shock, or recent VT/VF
• • 6. Presence of another likely explanation of chest pain, such as pulmonary hypertension or aortic stenosis
• • 7. History of adverse reaction to any of the medications being used (acetylcholine, nitroglycerin, adenosine, or heparin)
• • 8. Currently taking vasoactive medication (such as nitroglycerin)
• • 9. Inability to provide an informed consent, including an inability to speak, read, or understand English, Spanish, Chinese, Farsi, Japanese, Korean, Russian, or Vietnamese
• • 10. A hearing impairment that won't allow for a typical verbal conversation or a visual impairment that won't allow for reading of the written consent
• • 11. Participation in another study (with the exception of the Stanford Gene-PAD study)
• • 12. A potentially vulnerable subject (including minors, pregnant women, economically and educationally disadvantaged, decisionally impaired, and homeless people)