Cardiologists frequently overlook this heart condition in women

Cardiac warning signs can vary widely, leading to nearly one million heart-related deaths each year. While large artery blockages are often quickly identified, issues in small heart vessels can be harder to spot. Women are more likely to experience small vessel disease, known as cardio microvascular dysfunction, and may be misdiagnosed as a result.

Celina Gorre, the CEO of WomenHeart.org, is herself a heart patient. When she experienced symptoms like neck fullness and fatigue, she went to the hospital numerous times, only to be sent home without a diagnosis. Studies have shown that gender can impact testing and treatment, with women often being tested only for large artery disease, leaving CMD undiagnosed. Testing for CMD is straightforward and can be easily added to regular cardiac catheterization procedures.

Dr. Hayder Hashim, an interventional cardiologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, has been advocating for the recognition of cardio microvascular dysfunction as an official diagnosis. Thanks to his efforts, the Centers for Disease Control approved CMD as a recognized diagnosis as of October 1, 2023. This is a significant step forward for Gorre and the many other heart patients with CMD who would have otherwise gone untreated.

Dr. Hashim and his colleagues are working on creating a registry of cardio microvascular patients to establish a national database for clinicians and researchers. This database will provide valuable information on CMD symptoms and diagnoses, ultimately improving care for those with this condition.