Chest pain in patients with normal coronary arteries. A new look at potential causes.
Recurrent chest pain in patients with normal coronary arteries is a difficult clinical problem. Although long-term studies have shown that these patients have an excellent prognosis in terms of cardiac morbidity and mortality, many patients remain physically debilitated and continue to visit emergency departments. Recent information suggests that microvascular angina, esophageal disorders (including reflux disease and dysmotility), and panic disorder may be important causes of pain in such patients. It is particularly important to consider the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease, which is easier to diagnose and treat than most other causes of recurrent chest pain.
Marshall
J B
JB
Division of Gastroenterology, University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine 65212.
D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000503:physiopathology; D002637:Chest Pain / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D015154:Esophageal Motility Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008833:Microcirculation; D011379:Prognosis; D012008:Recurrence