Diagnostic Study for Heart Disease

Overseen By Nathaniel Smilowitz

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: NYU Langone Health

Must be taking: Aspirin

Must not be taking: NSAIDs, Platelet antagonists

Disqualifiers: Anemia, Thrombocytosis, Pregnancy, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 2 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial focuses on understanding heart issues in women with stable ischemic heart disease undergoing coronary angiography. Researchers aim to determine if small blood vessel problems in the heart, possibly due to abnormal platelet activity and inflammation, are linked to heart symptoms. They will analyze blood samples and heart function to identify these issues without invasive tools. Women with ongoing heart symptoms, who have been on aspirin, and are scheduled for coronary angiography might be suitable candidates. The study includes a specific procedure called Diagnostic Coronary Angiography with Non-Obstructive CAD, which is a primary focus. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to groundbreaking research that could improve diagnosis and treatment options for heart disease in women.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial requires that you stop taking NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen) within 3 days and any platelet antagonists other than aspirin and thienopyridines within 7 days before participation.

What prior data suggests that this diagnostic study is safe for patients with heart disease?

Research has shown that many people with angina, or chest pain, who undergo coronary angiography don't have major blockages in their arteries. This finding suggests their heart problems might stem from smaller blood vessels. Studies indicate that up to 70% of these patients lack significant blockages in the main heart arteries.

Coronary angiography is a common and generally safe test, though it carries some risks. After the test, doctors might take blood samples to study factors like blood clotting and inflammation, which could help explain issues in the smaller heart vessels.

Overall, patients usually tolerate the test well. However, like any medical procedure, it can have side effects. Discussing any concerns with a doctor is important. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it investigates a novel approach to understanding heart disease. Unlike standard diagnostic methods that focus only on visible blockages in the arteries, this study looks deeper into the coronary microvascular physiology, which can reveal issues even when no significant blockages are present. By collecting blood to evaluate platelet activity, inflammation, and coronary endothelial cells, this approach offers a more comprehensive view of heart health. This could lead to better-targeted treatments and earlier interventions for patients who might otherwise be overlooked by traditional diagnostics.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for coronary microvascular dysfunction?

Research shows that up to 70% of patients undergoing coronary angiography for chest pain do not have major blockages in their heart's main arteries. This indicates that many experience symptoms due to other heart issues, such as problems in the small blood vessels. Studies indicate that about 40% of these patients have normal or only slightly blocked arteries, suggesting their symptoms might stem from factors like small vessel problems or inflammation. This trial will focus on the "Non-Obstructive CAD" arm, where, after diagnostic coronary angiography, researchers will obtain invasive measures of coronary microvascular physiology. Understanding how tiny blood cells called platelets and inflammation contribute to these cases is important. The study aims to learn more about these small vessel issues and find non-invasive ways to detect them. ^{2 4 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Nathaniel Smilowitz, MD

Principal Investigator

NYU Langone Health

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This study is for adult women over 18 with stable ischemic heart disease, who are taking aspirin and referred for coronary angiography. It's not suitable for those with severe heart failure, recent heart attacks, certain blood disorders or bleeding risks, pregnancy, or known allergies to adenosine.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a woman over 18 referred for a heart vessel check.

My heart condition is stable, with symptoms or test results showing reduced blood flow to my heart.

I have taken aspirin before having a heart catheterization.

Exclusion Criteria

Pregnancy

I have had heart surgery or a procedure to improve blood flow to my heart.

Pre-Cath Exclusion criteria:

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Diagnostic Evaluation

Participants undergo diagnostic coronary angiography and invasive measures of coronary microvascular physiology are obtained

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Sample Collection and Analysis

Blood is collected for analysis of platelet activity, inflammation, and isolation of coronary endothelial cells

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after diagnostic procedures

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Adenosine
• Bivalirudin
• Diagnostic Coronary Angiography with Non-Obstructive CAD
• Guiding Catheter
• Heparin
• Pressure-Temperature Sensor Guidewire

Trial Overview The trial investigates the link between platelet activity, inflammation and coronary microvascular dysfunction using a Pressure-Temperature Sensor Guidewire during angiography. Medications like Bivalirudin, Adenosine and Heparin will be used alongside standard procedures.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Non-Obstructive CAD Experimental Treatment 5 Interventions

After diagnostic coronary angiography, invasive measures of coronary microvascular physiology will be obtained. Blood will be collected for platelet activity, inflammation and isolation of coronary endothelial cells.

Diagnostic Coronary Angiography with Non-Obstructive CAD is already approved in European Union, United States for the following indications:

Approved in European Union as Statins, ACE inhibitors, Beta blockers, Calcium channel blockers for:

• Coronary microvascular dysfunction
• Non-obstructive coronary artery disease

Approved in United States as Statins, ACE inhibitors, Beta blockers, Calcium channel blockers for:

• Coronary microvascular dysfunction
• Non-obstructive coronary artery disease

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

NYU Langone Health

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,431

Recruited

838,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a study of 244 patients diagnosed with MINOCA (6.6% of acute coronary syndrome cases), those with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (noCAD) were older and had more cardiovascular risk factors, leading to more aggressive secondary prevention therapy.

Patients with normal coronary arteries (NCA) showed a higher occurrence of anterior ST-segment elevation on ECG, suggesting different underlying mechanisms for MINOCA that warrant further diagnostic evaluation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clinical and electrocardiographic features of patients with myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA). Dal Fabbro, J., Candreva, A., Rossi, VA., et al.[2021]

Patients with chest pain are often misclassified as having noncardiac chest pain when they actually have microvascular angina, which is a form of ischemic heart disease not caused by obstructive coronary artery disease.

Recent advancements in diagnostic tools and conceptual frameworks have improved our understanding of microvascular angina, allowing for better diagnosis and treatment of myocardial ischemia in patients with normal-appearing coronary arteries.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Microvascular angina: an update on diagnosis and treatment. Titterington, JS., Hung, OY., Wenger, NK.[2015]

In a study of 3265 patients with varying degrees of coronary artery disease, those with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (20-50% blockage) had a significantly worse long-term cardiovascular prognosis compared to those with normal coronary arteries, with a hazard ratio of 1.72.

This increased risk was particularly pronounced in non-diabetic patients (hazard ratio 2.12), women (hazard ratio 1.75), and those who had experienced an acute coronary syndrome (hazard ratio 2.07), indicating that non-obstructive coronary artery disease is a serious condition that warrants attention.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Prognostic Implication of Non-Obstructive Coronary Lesions: A New Classification in Different Settings. Rodríguez-Capitán, J., Sánchez-Pérez, A., Ballesteros-Pradas, S., et al.[2021]

Nonobstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) is prevalent in 67% of patients with stable angina and 13% in those with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome, indicating a significant number of patients may have this condition without severe blockages.

While nonobstructive CAD has a better prognosis than obstructive CAD, it still carries a higher risk of cardiac events compared to patients with no angiographic CAD, highlighting the need for improved risk assessment and management strategies for these patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Prevalence and Prognosis of Nonobstructive Coronary Artery Disease in Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography or Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography: A Meta-Analysis. Wang, ZJ., Zhang, LL., Elmariah, S., et al.[2018]

Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is linked to a nearly 4-fold increase in all-cause mortality, with 9.3% of patients with CMD dying compared to only 2.6% of those without it, based on a meta-analysis of 6631 patients.

Patients with CMD also experience a 5-fold increase in major adverse cardiac events, indicating a significant risk associated with CMD that necessitates further research into effective diagnostic and treatment strategies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Association of Isolated Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction With Mortality and Major Adverse Cardiac Events: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Aggregate Data. Gdowski, MA., Murthy, VL., Doering, M., et al.[2021]

A significant portion (60-70%) of patients undergoing invasive coronary angiography for angina and myocardial ischemia do not have obstructive coronary disease, with coronary microvascular angina being the cause in nearly 50% of these cases.

Coronary microvascular angina is linked to poor prognosis and quality of life, but advancements in diagnostic methods and treatment options are improving management of this condition.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Coronary Microvascular Angina: A State-of-the-Art Review. Spione, F., Arevalos, V., Gabani, R., et al.[2022]

Approximately 15% of patients with myocardial infarction (MI) have non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), which is not benign and has a two-year adverse outcome rate of 4.6%, significantly higher than the 2.2% rate in age and sex matched individuals without cardiovascular disease.

Patients with non-obstructive CAD tend to be younger, more likely to be women, and have lower risk factors compared to those with obstructive CAD, yet they receive less aggressive secondary prevention treatment, highlighting a need for better management strategies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Myocardial Infarction Without Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease is Not a Benign Condition (ANZACS-QI 10). Barr, PR., Harrison, W., Smyth, D., et al.[2018]

A study involving 42 patients demonstrated that 128-multi detector row computed tomography coronary angiography (MDCTCA) has excellent diagnostic accuracy for detecting coronary artery disease, achieving 100% sensitivity and 91% specificity for >50% luminal narrowing.

MDCTCA also showed high accuracy for detecting >70% luminal narrowing, indicating it is a reliable noninvasive alternative to conventional coronary angiography for diagnosing coronary artery disease.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Diagnostic accuracy of 128-row multidetector computed tomography coronary angiography in the diagnosis of significant coronary artery stenosis. Chaosuwannakit, N., Kiatchoosakun, S., Makarawate, P.[2022]

In a study of 11,462 patients with nonobstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), both men and women showed similar annual rates of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including myocardial infarction and death, over an average follow-up of 2.3 years.

Nonobstructive CAD was associated with an increased risk of MACE for both genders, indicating that even without significant blockages, patients are at risk for serious cardiovascular events.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sex-based prognostic implications of nonobstructive coronary artery disease: results from the international multicenter CONFIRM study. Leipsic, J., Taylor, CM., Gransar, H., et al.[2022]

Patients with myocardial infarction and nonobstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA) have a significantly higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) compared to those with nonobstructive CAD and negative troponin levels, with a hazard ratio of 2.37.

Treatment with statins and ACE inhibitors after angiography was associated with a reduced risk of MACE, highlighting the potential for targeted medical therapy in improving outcomes for patients with MINOCA.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparison of Patients With Nonobstructive Coronary Artery Disease With Versus Without Myocardial Infarction (from the VA Clinical Assessment Reporting and Tracking [CART] Program). Kovach, CP., Hebbe, A., O'Donnell, CI., et al.[2021]

Citations

1. ahajournals.org ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.124.035852

Diagnostic Yield and Clinical Utility of Coronary ... Coronary angiography showed normal coronary arteries in 21% of CA alone versus 48% in CFT (P<0.001); and nonobstructive coronary artery disease ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6774766/

Diagnosis of patients with angina and non-obstructive ... Around 40% of all patients undergoing angiography are found to have normal coronary arteries or non-obstructive coronary artery disease ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666667724000801

Novel diagnostic approaches and management of ... The present narrative review aims to summarise current data relating to the diagnostic approach to CMD and provides details on the sequence that therapeutic ...

4. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41598-025-02400-5

Tailored treatment of specific diagnosis improves ... Up to 70% of patients undergoing coronary angiography due to angina do not have significant lesions in the epicardial coronary arteries.

5. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03477890

NCT03477890 | Coronary Microvascular Function and CT ... This research will provide new insights into the conundrum of angina in patients without obstructive CAD or structural heart disease.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9445206/

Coronary functional assessment in non-obstructive ... It is reported that probably 60–70% of patients who underwent coronary angiography due to angina pectoris and evidence of myocardial ischemia do not have ...

7. heart.bmj.com heart.bmj.com/content/105/20/1536

Diagnosis of patients with angina and non-obstructive ... Around 40% of all patients undergoing angiography are found to have normal coronary arteries or non-obstructive coronary artery disease (NOCAD).

8. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0146280622003176

Ischemia with No Obstructive Arteries (INOCA): A Review ... Studies have demonstrated that non-obstructive coronary artery disease remains associated with increased risk of adverse clinical outcomes including ...