Chest pain with angiographic clear coronary arteries: A provider's approach to cardiac syndrome X.
OBJECTIVE
To present information about cardiac syndrome X (CSX) including its (a) definition, (b) etiology and pathology, (c) epidemiology, (d) symptomatology, (e) diagnosis, (f) treatment, and (g) prognosis. Clinical recommendations will also be presented.


METHODS
Articles used in this review were found by searching CINAHL, Medline, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science (ISI), Academic Search Premier, and Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition.


CONCLUSIONS
The causes of CSX remain unknown; however, CSX is easy to diagnose and can be treated. Medication therapy and risk factor modification can greatly improve the quality of life by decreasing pain occurrence and lessening pain intensity.


CONCLUSIONS
Too often, providers reassure patients of a healthy heart because of normal coronary arteries despite persistent chest pain and ST segment changes on the electrocardiogram. Chest pain, one of the primary signs and symptoms of CSX, can be reduced through common medications and interventions if the diagnosis of CSX is initiated.
Larsen
Wes
W
Brigham Young University College of Nursing, Provo, Utah, USA. wlarsenfam@hotmail.com
Mandleco
Barbara
B
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003326:Coronary Circulation; D003331:Coronary Vessels; D004110:Diltiazem / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004417:Dyspnea; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007099:Imipramine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008833:Microcirculation; D017566:Microvascular Angina / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000451:nursing; D008875:Middle Aged; D009566:Nitrates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012307:Risk Factors; D019821:Simvastatin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D009566:Nitrates; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D019821:Simvastatin; D004110:Diltiazem; D007099:Imipramine