Coronary microvascular disease in the absence of myocardial diseases has traditionally been diagnosed through coronary reactivity testing in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Compared with invasive procedures, blood-based biomarkers may have reduced cost, less risk of physical harm and greater accessibility, making them ideal for an outpatient management strategy. There are a variety of biomarkers available with potential utility in the management of microvascular disease; however, none have yet been extensively validated or established in this clinical patient population.
Keywords: biomarkers; coronary flow reserve; coronary microvascular disease.