From Chest Pain to Coronary Functional Testing: Clinical and Economic Impact of Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundCoronary functional testing to formally diagnose coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) reduces cardiovascular events and alleviates angina. This study aims to investigate the extensive and complex journey that patients with CMD undergo, from the onset of chest pain to eventual diagnosis.MethodsData from the Coronary Microvascular Disease Registry (CMDR) were analyzed, including information on the date of first documentation of chest pain, number of non-invasive and invasive tests the patient underwent, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations. In addition, we estimated the total cost per patient. A total of 61 patients with CMD diagnosis were included in this analysis.ResultsThe cohort had an average age of 65.6±9.9 years. The median time from initial chest pain symptoms to diagnosis was 0.62 (interquartile range [IQR]: 0.06-2.96) years. During this period, patients visited the emergency department a median of 1.0 (IQR: 0.0-2.0) times. Diagnostic tests included 3.0 (IQR: 2.0-6.0) electrocardiograms, 3.0 (IQR: 0.0-6.0) high-sensitivity troponin tests, and 1.0 (IQR: 1.0-2.0) echocardiograms. Prior to diagnosis of CMD, 13 (21.3%) patients had left heart catheterization without coronary functional testing. Non-invasive testing for ischemia was conducted in 43 (70.5%) patients. Alternative non-cardiac diagnoses were given to 11 (18.0%) patients during the diagnostic process, with referrals made to gastroenterology for 16 (26.2%) and pulmonology for 10 (16.4%) patients. The cost averaged $1,790±2,506 per patient.ConclusionTimely identification of CMD offers promising opportunities for prompt symptom alleviation, accompanied by reduced visits to the emergency department, cardiovascular testing, invasive medical procedures, and consequently reduced healthcare expenses.Clinical Trial RegistryCoronary Microvascular Disease Registry (CMDR),clinicaltrials.gov,NCT05960474What is Known; What the Study AddsWhat is Known- Angina pectoris is a major global health concern, impacting millions of individuals around the world.- Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is a known etiology to cause angina.What the Study Adds- This study reveals the challenging journey of CMD patients from chest pain to diagnosis, showing the complexity, and overlapping symptoms of CMD, leading to under/misdiagnosis or delay in definitive diagnosis.- Healthcare providers must improve CMD awareness and understanding to ensure timely and accurate diagnosis, minimizing patient burden and unnecessary expenses.- Further research and awareness campaigns are crucial to optimize CMD management, leading to better healthcare outcomes and reduced economic strain.