Acute Vascular Response to Exercise in Women With Nonobstructive Coronary Artery Disease

Women are more likely to have nonobstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) . The purpose of
this study is to examine the acute effect of exercise on vascular function in women with
nonobstructive coronary artery disease. Endothelium-dependent and -independent dilation,
arterial stiffness and wave reflection will be measured at baseline and after walking on a
treadmill at a slow pace for 47 minutes. Endothelium-dependent dilation will be measured
using brachial artery flow-mediated dilation via high resolution ultrasonography.
Endothelium-independent dilation will be measured using brachial artery dilation to
sublingual nitroglycerin. Arterial stiffness and wave reflection will measured using
applanation tonometry.

Inclusion Criteria:

- women with non-obstructive coronary artery disease documented by coronary angiogram

- age 18 to 89 years

Exclusion Criteria:

- use of tobacco products

- use of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy

- pregnancy (positive urine pregnancy test) or lactation

- history of hepatic disease or infection with hepatitis B, C or HIV