Coronary collateral circulation reduces mortality in chronic CAD

MedWire News - Cardiology - Coronary collateral circulation reduces mortality in chronic CAD

MedWire News: Patients with chronic stable coronary artery disease (CAD) who have well-functioning coronary collateral circulation are up to a quarter less likely to die than those without a collateral supply, say Swiss researchers.

The researchers conclude in the journal Circulation: "A well-functioning coronary collateral circulation saves lives in patients with chronic stable coronary artery disease. Depending on the exact amount of collateral flow recruitable during a brief coronary occlusion, long-term cardiac mortality is reduced to one fourth compared with the situation without collateral supply."