New measurements improve diagnosis of ‘woman’s heart’

Image source: Shutterstock/Robert Kneschke

News • Coronary microcirculation

New measurements improve diagnosis of ‘woman’s heart’

Researchers at the Catharina Heart and Vascular Center, together with Eindhoven University of Technology, have developed a new measurement method to analyze the smallest capillaries of the heart by measuring blood flow and resistance.

The new method to assess coronary microcirculation allows cardiologists to make a clearer diagnosis. Until recently, the tests used for this purpose were not comprehensive. In Dutch, disease of the capillaries of the heart is also called ‘woman's heart’.

portrait of Daniëlle Keulards
Daniëlle Keulards

Image source: Catharina Ziekenhuis

Daniëlle Keulards, researcher at the Catharina Ziekenhuis, obtained her doctorate on 14 October on this new measurement method in the research group of Cardiovascular Biomechanics at the department of Biomedical Engineering. The method she helped to develop is now being used in a number of large heart centers in the Netherlands and abroad.

The "female heart" is the subject of much attention. In recent years, the cardiological world has recognized that chest pain can be caused not only by the clogging of the larger coronary arteries, but also by increased resistance in the capillaries in the heart. This is called microvascular suffering. "Often this is referred to as 'the female heart,'" Keulards clarifies, "because more women suffer from this."

Yet some nuance is needed; although disease of the capillaries is somewhat more common in women, men can also suffer from it. In the study, about 40 per cent were men. Keulards: "Fortunately, microvascular disease has a much better prognosis than clogging of the large coronary arteries and we can treat the patients with medication to reduce the symptoms. However, it is important to take chest pains seriously, both in women and men, and to take measurements of the capillaries if necessary." 


Source: Eindhoven University of Technology

22.10.2021

Related articles

Photo

News • Anxiety and depression

After cardiac arrest: women at greater risk for mental health issues

Anxiety and depression hit women harder than men after they have survived cardiac arrest. New research further suggests that age also plays a major role, pointing out the need for more support.

Photo

News • Artificial intelligence application

AI integration into cardiovascular ultrasound to improve diagnoses

Philips announced its latest AI-enabled cardiovascular ultrasound platform to help speed up cardiac ultrasound analysis with AI technology and reduce the burden on echocardiography labs.

Photo

News • Improved detection of heart failure

New MRI model for better imaging of women's hearts

Researchers have been able to fine-tune how magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to detect heart failure in women’s hearts, making it more accurate for female patients.

Related products

Subscribe to Newsletter