Latest News

IHSA Featured on NORD

The International Heart Spasms Alliance (IHSA) has officially been listed on the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) website in their Find a Patient Organization section. NORD is known for its large online database of rare diseases. Click here to discover our listing on NORD’s official website.

Why NORD?

IHSA is a global initiative lead by experts through experience, seeking further awareness for serious cardiac conditions. We are patients who are living with coronary vasospasms and microvascular angina, while also working in a collaborative equal partnership with clinicians worldwide.

Although both heart conditions are classed as rare, it is believed they are under-recognized by the medical community specializing in NOCAD. More testing is needed to properly diagnose these conditions.

Our vision is a world where Coronary Vasospasm and Microvascular Angina are quickly, and appropriately recognized, treated, and respected with the patient at the heart of care.

What are Coronary Vasospasms?

There are some individuals who experience angina which is not caused by blockages of the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries temporarily constrict during a spasm, reducing the blood supply to the heart. The spasms are transient, coming and going, sometimes lasting for a few minutes or for much longer. These coronary vasospasms can be unprovoked occurring at rest rather than being brought on by exercise.

Click here to learn more about the symptoms, causes and triggers of vasospastic angina.

What is Microvascular Angina?

Microvascular Angina (MVA) is a type of angina caused when the small blood vessels of the heart (micro vessels) do not work properly. The micro vessels are important as they supply most of the blood to the whole of the heart muscle. In Microvascular angina, these micro vessels either fail to dilate, stay relaxed or constrict in temporary spasms. This is also known as Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction (CMD/CMVD) or now more commonly, Microvascular Dysfunction (MVD).

Click here to learn more about the symptoms, causes and triggers of microvascular angina.