What is microvascular disease MVD?

Coronary microvascular disease (MVD) is a problem with the heart’s smallest coronary arteries. These arteries supply blood flow to the heart. With coronary MVD, there is damage to the inside of the walls of these blood vessels, cutting off the blood supply and causing spasms.

How is MVD diagnosed?

Your doctor or other health care professional will diagnose coronary MVD based on your medical history, a physical exam and test results. You will also be evaluated for any risk factors for heart disease including high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and being overweight or obese.

How serious is microvascular angina?

The medical community once believed that microvascular angina — chest pain caused by the tiny arteries in the heart — occurs predominantly in females and is harmless. However, a new study suggests that the condition increases the risk of heart attacks, stroke, and death.

How common is MVD?

One condition known as coronary microvascular disease (MVD, or small vessel disease), seems to target women — in particular, younger women. Experts believe that the disease may affect up to 3 million women in the United States.

How common is microvascular angina?

Microvascular angina is more common in women than in men. Among the women who have microvascular angina, a majority are postmenopausal. Microvascular angina is also more common in people with diabetes or hypertension and those who smoke.

What is coronary microvascular disease (MVD)?

It is heart disease that affects the walls and inner lining of tiny coronary artery blood vessels that branch off from the larger coronary arteries. The American Heart Association explains coronary microvascular disease or MVD. Skip to main content Heart Attack and Stroke Symptoms COVID-19

What does MVD stand for?

Coronary Microvascular Disease (MVD) | American Heart Association The American Heart Association explains coronary microvascular disease or MVD, sometimes called small artery disease or small vessel disease.

What is MVD and how does it affect your heart?

Additionally, in MVD the walls of the tiny arteries are injured or diseased—instead of opening wider to allow more blood to reach the heart during exercise or at times of emotional stress, they tighten up, constricting blood flow when it’s needed most.

What is the pathophysiology of MVD?

In coronary MVD, the heart’s tiny coronary artery blood vessels do not have plaque, but damage to the inner walls of the blood vessels that can lead to spasms and decrease blood flow to the heart muscle.