There is variation in the management of patients with ischemia with no obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA) in the U.S., providing an opportunity to address knowledge gaps with additional research and education, according to research that will be presented as part of the poster and oral abstract presentations during ACC.21.

Judy Luu, MD, et al., conducted an 11-question survey that was sent to cardiologists on ACC's CardioSurve panel, a representative sample of current ACC members, between September and October 2020.

Results showed that of the 172 respondents, 76% have treated INOCA, but 59% have only treated a total of 10 or less patients. The majority (69%) of the respondents cited feeling confident in their ability to manage INOCA patients. However, only 25% of the respondents expressed feeling "very confident" in their management abilities for patients with INOCA.

Almost all of the cardiologists surveyed (97%) agreed that there is a need for additional clinical guidance for INOCA management. Additionally, most of the respondents noted that they would often prescribe aspirin, statins, and calcium channel blockers for INOCA patients, but only 25% are prescribing ACE inhibitors or ARBs.

The authors conclude that their study "shows heterogeneity in the management of INOCA in the U.S., identifies support for guideline development and identifies knowledge gaps for research and education."

Clinical Topics: Dyslipidemia, Nonstatins, Novel Agents, Statins

Keywords: ACC Annual Scientific Session, ACC21, Calcium Channel Blockers, Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors, Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists, Coronary Vessels, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors, Aspirin, Ischemia

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