Small Vessel Disease

[Reshott]

I am trying to locate a Cardiologist in Arkansas that specializes in Small Vessel Disease, Coronary Microvascular Disease. Are there any reccomendations?  I have see two cardiologists recently that  have just brushed me off with my "heart attack symptoms."  I have had a recent Cath showing "clean arteries, no blockages".

Infact , I have had a total of four caths over the years, that have all been "clean". But I continue to have angina, shortness of breath etc.  I recently had a EGD, negative. A recent Echocardiogram show mild concentric LVH. But according to the cardiologists, my heart is not causing my chest pain. I have had CT Lung scans...both negative. No problem there.  I have done a lot of research on Coronary Microvascular Disease, Small Vessel Disease, Coronary Syndrome X. It appears that possibly this could be my problem but I am finding that most doctors say  that disease has not been proven.

I would be willing to travel to adjoinging states if it will benefit me. Hope someone will be able to give a recommendation.

Sincerely,
Reshott

[Jamesgui]

HI Dan, I had a heart attack 2 may 2013. Three stents in the LAD. Now-had some chest pain for many years and was told everything fine, but ended up not fine, 95% blocked LAD
Due to on going chest pain I have had two repeat angios and radiation to boot, both angios clear and stents patent
I cant walk 10 feet without pain. Was started on Dilteziem for small vessel disease. Jus started taking it and it has helped a lot. Said I had slow flow in the small vessels
Good luck
jim

[DenTek]

I know that you posted your question 2 years ago did you ever get diagnosis?  I was diagnosis with small vessels spasms thru Cleveland Clinic just recently.  There is a big differences between small vessel disease and small vessels spasms.  My coronary arteries were wide open
which means no disease.  Between the EKG, Stress test, Echo test and no pain during exercises thats how the Doc. diagnosis me with small vessels spasms.  

[angelab315]

The cath should of shown small vessel disease .I had one 2 weeks ago and was diagnosed with it. I also have 3 stents from a heart attack in 06 but my pain is alot of my upper back. Very painful.

[ChatterAlly]

Unfortunately, I suffer with this too.  I keep my nitroquick with me at all times.  This relieves the chest pain from those spasms.  I have had 2 heart attacks and I am telling you, I cannot tell the difference between a spasm or the actual attack.  I do have blockages.  I can only imagine what you are going through.  To have these symptoms and no real diagnosis.  I have to ask you, I guess since you were told it's not cardiac in nature, they haven't started you on a calcium channel blocker?  That has helped me. It took some time to work, but it does.  Have they started you on Nitro yet?  I take Isosorbide (long lasting nitro) also. You could try seeing a doctor about being prescribed these meds, but I am sure until someone actually diagnoses this as vasospasms they won't.  Keep me posted.
BTW, my vasospasms were caught on a monitor.  I had to convince the nurses that the monitors were going crazy everytime I had a spasm.  They kept telling me that I had moved and that is why the monitors were acting up.  After 3 episodes I was able to convince the nurse I had a spasm at the same time.  She took a closer look at the data printout and told me and the doctor I was having vasospasms.  Keep working with the doctors until you can get some real answers. Take care, Ally