Comparing coronary flow and microvascular measures before and after intracoronary nitroglycerin in people with angina and non-blocking coronary arteries

Analysis of Coronary Reactivity Testing With and Without Intracoronary Nitrate Testing

Not applicable Interventional Baylor Research Institute · NCT06896903

This study will try whether giving a small dose of nitroglycerin inside the coronary artery changes blood-flow and microvascular measurements in adults with angina but no major blockages.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorBaylor Research Institute Academic / other
Locations1 site (Plano, Texas)
Trial IDNCT06896903 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a single-arm, multi-center prospective interventional study enrolling about 50 adults referred for coronary angiography for angina with non-obstructive coronary arteries (ANOCA/INOCA). Participants will undergo invasive coronary reactivity testing (CRT) with measurements of coronary flow reserve (CFR), index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR), transit time, Pa and Pd before any intracoronary nitrate. After an intracoronary nitroglycerin dose (200–500 mcg) the same CRT measurements will be repeated. The primary outcome is change in CFR before versus after nitroglycerin, with secondary outcomes including IMR, Pd, Pa, RRR, and transit times, analyzed using paired t-tests and generalized estimating equations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older who have angina with non-obstructive coronary arteries (ANOCA/INOCA) and are referred for coronary angiography and able to give informed consent are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with obstructive coronary disease, recent coronary stents or bypass, recent use of long-acting nitrates or PDE-5 inhibitors, pregnant people, or those unable to consent are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the study could clarify how intracoronary nitroglycerin alters CRT measurements and improve interpretation of invasive testing to guide treatment for microvascular angina.

How similar studies have performed: Intracoronary nitrates are commonly used to distinguish epicardial spasm and standardize physiology measurements, but paired prospective CRT comparisons before and after nitroglycerin are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged 18 or older
2. Patient being evaluated for ANOCA or INOCA
3. Clinical suspicion for angina
4. Patient should be able to comply with the protocol.
5. Provide written informed consent before study participation.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Existing coronary artery disease
2. Previous percutaneous interventions within the coronaries
3. Current use (within 48 hours) of long-acting nitrate therapies
4. Current use (within 48 hours) of PDE-5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil)
5. Any other condition or co-morbidity which, in the opinion of the investigator or operator, may pose a significant hazard to the subject if he or she is enrolled in the study.
6. Children below 18 years, prisoners, pregnant people and patients who are unable to provide consent are excluded.

Where this trial is running

Plano, Texas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions ANOCA - Angina With Non-obstructive Coronary ArteriesINOCACoronary Reactivity TestingIntracoronary Nitroglycerine
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.