Pharmacological approaches to coronary microvascular dysfunction

Abstract

In recent decades coronary microvascular dysfunction has been increasingly identified as a relevant contributor to several cardiovascular conditions. Indeed, coronary microvascular abnormalities have been recognized in patients suffering acute myocardial infarction, chronic stable angina and cardiomyopathies, and also in patients with hypertension, obesity and diabetes. In this review, we will examine pathophysiological information needed to understand pharmacological approaches to coronary microvascular dysfunction in these different clinical contexts. Well-established drugs and new pharmacological agents, including those for which only preclinical data are available, will be covered in detail.

Keywords: Cardiomyopathies; Coronary microvascular dysfunction; Diabetes; Ischemic heart disease; No-reflow; Reactive oxygen species.