Advanced Technical In the Industry Vocabulary Test

coronary microvascular dysfunction

Impaired function of small coronary arteries not visible on angiography, causing chest pain despite normal epicardial vessels.

Full Definition

Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) refers to abnormal function of the coronary microvasculature, typically vessels less than 500 micrometers in diameter that cannot be visualized on conventional angiography. This condition can cause anginal symptoms and abnormal stress testing despite normal or minimal epicardial coronary artery disease. CMD may result from structural changes in the microvessels, endothelial dysfunction, or abnormal vasomotor responses. It is increasingly recognized as an important cause of chest pain, particularly in women, and requires specialized testing for diagnosis.

Usage

Usage note: CMD is acceptable abbreviation in clinical contexts but spell out on first use.

In Context

"The patient's persistent chest pain with normal coronaries suggested coronary microvascular dysfunction." — Cardiology consultation note
"Adenosine stress testing revealed impaired coronary flow reserve consistent with microvascular dysfunction." — Nuclear cardiology report

Also known as

CMD microvascular angina small vessel disease

Contrasted with

normal microvascular function

Don't confuse with

coronary artery spasm unstable angina Prinzmetal angina

coronary flow reserve ← Back to glossary coronary perforation