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Stress Cardiac MRI Reveals Hidden Angina in Clear-Artery Patients

New study shows stress cardiac MRI detects microvascular angina in 50% of patients with clear arteries. Research reveals improved diagnosis and quality of life for chest pain sufferers.

This research matters because it addresses a critical gap in cardiovascular diagnostics that affects millions of people worldwide. Chest pain is one of the most common reasons for emergency department visits, accounting for over 6.5 million annual visits in the U.S. alone. Many patients, particularly women, are told their chest pain isn't cardiac-related when angiograms show clear arteries, leading to untreated conditions and ongoing suffering. The study demonstrates that microvascular angina is a real, measurable condition that conventional testing misses. By validating stress cardiac MRI as an effective diagnostic tool, this research could transform clinical practice, ensuring patients receive accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment. For the estimated half of angina patients with no obstructive coronary artery disease, this represents hope for proper medical care and improved quality of life. The findings also highlight important health equity considerations, as women and historically underrepresented groups are more likely to have their cardiac symptoms overlooked or misattributed to non-cardiac causes.