Microvascular Coronary Disease (MCD) is a disease associated with decreased myocardial perfusion due to poor blood flow to the muscles of the heart. MCD is characteristically not caused by obstructive coronary artery disease and involve the smaller coronary arteries that cannot be visualized by angiography. Under optimal conditions, these blood vessels allow for adequate flow of nutrients and oxygen to reach the heart muscle, allowing it to maintain healthy function.
Signs and symptoms not limited to:
- chest pain (typically lasting longer than typical angina,
- shortness of breath,
- sleep problems,
- fatigue (tiredness),
- lack of energy.
Symptoms are often noticed during routine daily activities such as shopping, cooking, cleaning, and going to work) and times of mental stress.
It’s less likely that women will notice these symptoms during physical activity.
The integrative approach to MCD is based on several important observations and a growing body of research that is beginning to shed light on predisposing factors and mechanisms underlying the onset and progression of this disease, and subsequently, allowing us to consider novel strategies and treatment options for patients.
Integrative therapies target key area aimed at:
- Supporting the nervous system (enhancing parasympathetic activity-
relaxation response while decreasing sympathetic activity-stress response)
Improving cardiac tissue resilience (enhancing cellular metabolism and
mitochondrial activity) - Improving circulation to the heart and preventing further impairment of
coronary blood flow - Addressing underlying conditions known to be associated with
development and progression of MCD - Correcting inflammatory response and decreasing inflammation and
oxidative stress
