What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Coronary Microvascular Disease?

Signs and symptoms of coronary microvascular disease (MVD) often differ from signs and symptoms of traditional coronary artery disease (CAD).

Many women with coronary MVD have angina (chest pain), but it may or may not be the "typical" chest pain seen in CAD. Typical signs and symptoms of CAD include angina, feeling pressure or squeezing in the chest, shortness of breath, heavy sweating, and arm or shoulder pain.

These signs and symptoms often first appear while a person is being physically active—such as while jogging, walking on a treadmill, or going up stairs. Typical angina is more frequent in women older than 65.

Other signs and symptoms of coronary MVD in women are shortness of breath, sleep problems, fatigue (tiredness), and lack of energy.

In women, coronary MVD symptoms are often first noticed during routine daily activities (such as shopping, cooking, cleaning, and going to work) and during times of mental stress. It's less likely that women will notice these symptoms during physical activity (such as jogging or walking fast).