Men and women: Heart vessels narrow
Coronary microvascular disease (MVD) represents the narrowing of small blood vessels that branch off from your main coronary arteries. Also known as small vessel disease, MVD can interfere with blood flow.
“Patients feel typical angina or chest pain but do not have blockages in the larger vessels,” says cardiologist Caitlin Giesler, MD, director of the Women’s Heart Center at the Seton Heart Institute.
Note that MVD is most common in women, especially after menopause when estrogen levels are lower. Some symptoms can be shortness of breath, chest pain, and feeling like you’re about to pass out; if you notice any of these—especially accompanied by chest pain—call for medical help as soon as possible. A healthy lifestyle and medications can improve MVD, says Dr. Giesler.
