Jefferson Cardiologists Identify Coronary Slow Flow as Source of Unexplained Chest Pain, Suggest Treatment

Jefferson cardiologists presented results of a novel study which suggests a treatment for coronary slow flow at the Cardiovascular Research Technologies (CRT) conference held this week in Washington, DC.

The case series follows 20 patients who experienced chest pain. Despite the absence of obstructive cholesterol plaque (which is the usual culprit for angina chest pains), slow flow down the coronary arteries was observed.

Jefferson physicians identified the so-called “coronary slow flow phenomenon” as the cause of the chest pain. Injection of a calcium channel blocker, nicardipine, directly into the coronary artery restored normal flow immediately in all 20 patients.

“These results indicate that the cause of the chest pain was likely a microvascular spasm, which is often overlooked or under-recognized and until now had no defined effective treatment,” said Dr. Michael Savage, Director of Jefferson’s Angioplasty Center. “This study points the way for future research which can examine if outpatient therapy with oral calcium blockers can be used to treat patients with this condition.”

, , ,

No comments yet.

Add Your Comments and Join the Conversation

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
View our commenting policy.