Long-term prognosis of patients with cardiac syndrome X: a review

Abstract

AimsFollow-up studies of patients with cardiac syndrome X (CSX) generally report good prognosis. However, some recent studies report an adverse outcome for women.Methods and resultsStructured literature search and meta-analysis for studies regarding prognosis of cardiac syndrome X patients. We identified 85 studies, ultimately selecting 16 for inclusion. Meta-analysis yielded a pooled major cardiac event percentage of 1.5% per 5 years and a pooled vascular event percentage of 4.8% per 5 years (n = 16 studies, n = 1694 patients). Fourteen studies reported upon the recurrence rate of angina pectoris: the pooled percentage of angina recurrence was 55% (n = 1336 patients).ConclusionThe present review of recent archival literature demonstrates an overall major cardiac event rate of 1.5% per 5 years. Although this is an excellent prognosis for CSX patients, the quality of life is impaired because of the high recurrence rate of angina pectoris (55%).

ω-3 fatty acid treatment in cardiac syndrome X

“…Despite this good prognosis for these patients, their quality of life is markedly reduced because of recurrent angina episodes [42]. Despite this good prognosis for these patients, their quality of life is markedly reduced because of recurrent angina episodes [42].…”

Current perspectives in coronary microvascular dysfunction

“…In a systematic review of 16 studies involving 1694 patients with chest pain, positive functional testing, and unobstructed coronary arteries, the rate of MACE (myocardial infarction, revascularization, death) at 5 years was found to be 1.5%, and rate of overall cardiac events (including new CAD, heart failure, cardiovascular events) was 4.8%. More importantly, up to 90% (on average 55%) of patients with MVA had recurrence of angina at 5 years, and in one study, at least one additional coronary angiography procedure was performed in 33% of the patients . In patients without flow‐limiting epicardial CAD, the presence of CMD as assessed by PET was associated with adverse cardiovascular events after 2‐3 years …”

Sex-Specific Factors in Microvascular Angina

“…24,25 A meta-analysis comprised of 16 such studies, mainly with small sample sizes, has estimated a pooled rate of 1.5% per 5 years for major adverse cardiac events (death, myocardial infarction and revascularization). 26 …”