R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, JAN 6
In a significant advancement for cardiac diagnostics, Apollo Hospitals, Greams Lane, Chennai, has successfully diagnosed and managed a complex case of angina using advanced Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction (CMD) assessment, marking one of the first such cases in the city.
The breakthrough involved a 62-year-old woman who had been suffering from persistent chest pain for several months, despite showing no significant blockages on routine coronary angiography—a clinical grey area that often leaves patients without clear answers.
🔹 Advanced Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction (CMD) assessment detects hidden cause of persistent chest pain
🔹 Breakthrough diagnosis offers answers for Angina with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries (ANOCA), common among women
🔹 One-day, non-surgical evaluation enables targeted therapy and rapid symptom relief
🔹 Milestone for precision cardiac care in Chennai with early discharge and strong recovery
When Chest Pain Persists Despite ‘Normal’ Angiograms
Angina is typically caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. However, a growing number of patients—especially women—continue to experience symptoms even when major coronary arteries appear normal. This condition, medically termed Angina with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries (ANOCA), is increasingly linked to dysfunction in the heart’s microvascular system.
Patients with diabetes, hypertension, obesity, anaemia and anxiety are at higher risk, making advanced diagnostic evaluation crucial.
CMD Assessment: Revealing the Invisible
The patient, who had been under follow-up at Apollo Hospitals for six months, underwent a CMD assessment using a specialised diagnostic wire. This cutting-edge test evaluates the functioning of the heart’s smallest blood vessels—areas not visible through standard angiography.
The assessment precisely identified the microvascular cause of angina, following which the patient was started on targeted medical therapy, leading to marked improvement within a day.
Expert Insight: A Commonly Missed Condition
“This is a common but often underdiagnosed problem,” said Dr. Refai Showkathali, Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Apollo Hospitals, Greams Lane, Chennai.
“Many patients, particularly women, are told their angiogram is normal and continue to suffer from chest pain. CMD assessment allows us to pinpoint the exact cause and tailor treatment accordingly. This case is significant as it represents one of the first such advanced diagnostic evaluations performed in Chennai.”
Fast, Safe and Non-Surgical
The CMD assessment was completed within a single day and required no surgery, ICU care or prolonged hospital stay. The patient was discharged within 24 hours and is currently doing extremely well on medical management.
Apollo Leads Precision Cardiac Care
Dr. Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy, Chief Executive Officer – Chennai Region, Apollo Hospitals, said, “Being among the first hospitals in Chennai to offer CMD assessment reinforces our commitment to precision medicine and patient-centric care. This advanced diagnostic enables timely and accurate detection of unexplained chest pain, ensuring patients receive the most effective treatment and better outcomes.”
A Step Forward for Chennai’s Heart Care
CMD assessment is available in only a limited number of hospitals across India, with very few documented cases so far. Apollo Hospitals’ success marks a notable milestone in advanced cardiac care for Chennai.
Cardiology experts emphasise that persistent chest pain should never be ignored—as accurate diagnosis, as demonstrated in this case, can be life-changing.
