Apollo Hospitals Diagnoses Complex Angina with Advanced CMD

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 patient, a 62-year-old woman, had been experiencing persistent chest pain for several months despite having no significant blockages on a routine coronary angiogram.

Angina is chest discomfort that occurs when the heart does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. While it is most often linked to coronary artery disease, a subset of patients continue to experience symptoms even when major arteries appear normal. This condition, medically termed Angina with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries (ANOCA), is increasingly recognised, especially among women with risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, anaemia, and anxiety.

The patient, who had been under follow-up at Apollo Hospitals for six months, underwent CMD assessment using a specialised diagnostic wire. This test evaluates the function of the heart’s smallest blood vessels, helping doctors identify microvascular causes of angina that are not visible on standard angiography. Based on the findings, the patient was started on targeted medical therapy and showed significant improvement within a day.

Leading the treatment, Dr. Refai Showkathali, Senior Consultant Intervention Cardiologist, Apollo Hospitals, Greams Lane Chennai said, “This is a common but often underdiagnosed problem. Many patients, especially women, are told their angiogram is normal and continue to suffer from chest pain. CMD assessment allows us to pinpoint the exact cause of symptoms and tailor medical treatment accordingly. This case is significant as it represents one of the first such diagnostic evaluations performed in Chennai using this advanced technology.”

The CMD assessment was completed in a single day and did not require surgery, ICU care, or prolonged hospital stay. The patient was discharged within 24 hours and is currently doing extremely well on medical management.

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, accurate detection of complex or unexplained chest pain, ensuring patients receive the most effective treatment for better outcomes.”

While CMD assessment has been performed in a limited number of hospitals across India, only a handful of cases have been evaluated so far, and this marks a notable step forward for cardiac care in Chennai. Dr Refai Showkathali advises that individuals with persistent chest pain should seek appropriate evaluation, as accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment and better outcomes.