Micro vascular angina

[valeria123]

I think I have MVA. Main symptoms are breathlessness and tiredness. Saw cardiologist at wythenshawe in Manchester who has ordered gold standard tests. Need a cardiac mri, perfusion test and 24 hour pulse test to check electrical activity. Has anyone had these tests and what was the outcome.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello valeria123

There is unfortunately no true definitive test widely available for microvascular angina.

The tests they use are designed to look for blockages and narrowing of the large blood vessels of the heart.

MVA can be due to the small blood vessels failing to dilate- microvascular dysfunction.

This can be detected by the newer perfusion MRI scans.

MVA due to spasms is much more difficult to diagnose.

Breathlessness and tiredness are common symptoms of MVA.

I live with coronary vasospastic angina, I have vasospasms in my small and large blood vessels in my heart. Microvascular angina and coronary artery spasms.

My perfusion MRI was normal, my 24 hour holter test showed ECG changes and I had an angiogram with acetylcholine which detected my vasospasms.

The BHF have this information about MVA.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

It is encouraging that your Cardiologist recognises MVA . The usual treatment is by medication.

There are quite a few of us around with non obstructive coronary artery disease.

I am sure they will be along too to share their experiences.

We are all slightly different with our own version of the condition. It makes it a little more challenging to treat.

[WardijaWardija in reply to Milkfairy]

Thanks Milkfairy for your information. I'm really starting to think I most probably have MVA given my consistant almost daily stymptoms post triple stenting and a remaining blocked artery that can't be stented.

I will request further advice / tests from the cardiology unit that provide my care.

Thank you again ☺

[Sunshinebrew]

I have been diagnosed with MVA be cause I continued with symptoms after an angioplasty and 3 stents. My stents and main arteries are fine and I have the diagnosis of MVA without any further definitive tests. I am still symptomatic mainly breathlessness fatigue and chest pain, and take medication. I have good and bad days andweeks. I hope all goes well with your test and you get a firm diagnosis. Good luck let us know what happens.