Evaluating sex differences in causes of chest pain

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This research evaluates the underlying causes of chest pain in individuals with normal coronary arteries as seen on angiograms. The study focuses on identifying diffuse atherosclerosis and dysfunction in the coronary endothelium and microcirculation, particularly comparing findings between women and men. By conducting blood draws and specialized tests like intravascular ultrasound and coronary pressure/flow testing, the study aims to uncover potential pathophysiological differences that may contribute to chest pain in women. The ultimate goal is to improve testing and treatment strategies for women experiencing these symptoms.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patient referred for elective coronary angiography because of a reasonable clinical suspicion of coronary ischemia.
2. Presence of angina or an anginal equivalent (including chest, back, shoulder, arm, neck, jaw discomfort, or shortness of breath brought on by physical exertion, emotional stress, or certain times of day/month).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Asymptomatic (such as a pre-op cath)
2. Status-post heart transplant
3. Age \<18
4. Renal insufficiency (creatinine \>1.5)
5. Presence of an acute coronary syndrome (STEMI or NSTEMI), Tako-tsubo, an abnormal ejection fraction (EF\<55%), cardiogenic shock, or recent VT/VF
6. Presence of another likely explanation of chest pain, such as pulmonary hypertension or aortic stenosis
7. History of adverse reaction to any of the medications being used (acetylcholine, nitroglycerin, adenosine, or heparin)
8. Currently taking vasoactive medication (such as nitroglycerin)
9. Inability to provide an informed consent, including an inability to speak, read, or understand English, Spanish, Chinese, Farsi, Japanese, Korean, Russian, or Vietnamese
10. A hearing impairment that won't allow for a typical verbal conversation or a visual impairment that won't allow for reading of the written consent
11. Participation in another study (with the exception of the Stanford Gene-PAD study)
12. A potentially vulnerable subject (including minors, pregnant women, economically and educationally disadvantaged, decisionally impaired, and homeless people)

Where it's running

• Stanford University School of Medicine
  Stanford, California, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jennifer A Tremmel, MD, MS — Stanford University
• Study coordinator: Vedant Pargaonkar, MD
• Email: vedantsp@stanford.edu
• Phone: (650) 498-1195

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Smartwatch 9-lead ECG vs 12-lead ECG to detect STEMI in chest pain patients

  We are testing whether a smartwatch ECG can help diagnose STEMI in people with chest pain.

  Recruiting Hospital General Universitario Santa Lucia · Cartagena, Murcia · NCT07780942

• ML-based diagnosis of blocked arteries in patients with a left bundle branch block

  Doctors are testing a machine learning tool that uses digital ECGs to see if a blocked coronary artery is present in patients with a left bundle branch block.

  Recruiting Konya City Hospital · Konya, Karatay · NCT07620119

• Hormones, Pain, and Exercise: Sports Bras for Full-Busted Women

  This study tests whether specially designed sports bras can reduce neck, shoulder, arm, and back pain in full-busted women, and whether hormones, inflammation, or brain changes affect pain.

  Recruiting Phase 1 University of Houston · Houston, Texas · NCT07579182

• Chest pain screening for hidden cardiac amyloidosis

  We will test whether men over 65 who have chest pain but no coronary artery disease might have hidden cardiac amyloidosis using blood and urine tests, ECG and echocardiography, bone scintigraphy, and sometimes a heart biopsy.

  Recruiting Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet · Copenhagen · NCT07435168

• Freesolve resorbable magnesium scaffold vs. Xience stent for up to two new heart artery lesions

  This trial tests whether the Freesolve resorbable magnesium scaffold works as well as the Xience drug-eluting stent for treating up to two new coronary artery lesions in adults.

  Recruiting at 3 sites Teleflex · Washington D.C., District of Columbia and 2 other locations · NCT07258290

• AI to improve telephone triage for emergency calls at CCUE Andalucía

  This project tests AI tools to help emergency call operators spot life-threatening problems like cardiac arrest, stroke, severe breathing trouble, and chest pain.

  Recruiting Centro de Emergencias Sanitarias 061 Andalucía · Málaga, Málaga · NCT07247669

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.