New stress testing protocol to study heart issues in women with chest pain

DEVELOPMENT OF A NOVEL STRESS TESTING PROTOCOL TO DEFINE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CORONARY MICROVASCULAR DYSFUNCTION AND DIASTOLOGY IN WOMEN WITH ANGINA BUT NO EVIDENCE OF OBSTRUCTIVE CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

Not applicable Interventional Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NCT02301663

This study is testing a new way to understand heart problems in women with chest pain but no blocked arteries, to see how their heart functions during stress.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexFemale
SponsorCedars-Sinai Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Los Angeles, California)
Trial IDNCT02301663 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to explore the relationship between coronary microvascular dysfunction and heart relaxation in women experiencing chest pain but without obstructive coronary artery disease. It will involve 30 participants, including healthy individuals and women diagnosed with microvascular disease, who will undergo various stress maneuvers alongside advanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. The goal is to better understand the pathophysiology of microvascular coronary dysfunction and its impact on heart function.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include women over 18 years old who experience chest pain and have been diagnosed with microvascular coronary dysfunction.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of cardiovascular, pulmonary, or neurological diseases, or those with hypertension, diabetes, or contraindications to cardiac MRI will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for women suffering from microvascular coronary dysfunction.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in its specific focus on women with microvascular dysfunction, similar studies have shown promise in understanding coronary microvascular disease.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Fully understanding and willing to undergo study procedures
2. Male or Female greater than or equal to 18 years of age
3. Understanding and willing to sign consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of cardiovascular, pulmonary, or neurological disease
2. Hypertension (sitting blood pressure \>140/90 mmHg, with measurements recorded on at least 2 occasions)
3. Diabetes
4. Unable to give informed consent;
5. Contra-indication to CMRI testing, including claustrophobia and metallic implants
6. Adherence or retention issues;
7. Women who are pregnant.
8. Allergy to animal dander.

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California

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 Microvascular Coronary Dysfunction
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.