Cardiac syndrome X

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading global cause of death, most attributably due to a poor diet and lifestyle. However, there is still a large cohort of people who experience cardiovascular issues due to genetic reasons. This includes patients predominantly females, suffering from Cardiac Syndrome X. This condition is mostly genetic yet may be aggravated by an unhealthy diet and poor physical lifestyle. It is believed that a combination of vasospastic muscular arteries and endothelial dysfunction in the vessels supplying the heart may be the leading causes, yet its aetiology is still under-researched. Considering this, patients commonly present with severe retrosternal chest pain, discomfort, and shortness of breath, however following methodical testing, coronary angiography and electrocardiography, no cardiovascular lesions or abnormalities are revealed. This condition may still lead to fatal cardiogenic shock since myocardial infarction may supervene due to prolonged vasospastic closure of the arteries – which is why adequate knowledge and skilful management is required.