Predictors of slow flow in angiographically normal coronary arteries.

Introduction: Slow coronary flow (SCF) is a well-known angiographic finding; however, the pathophysiology of SCF remains only partially understood. In this study, we have examined the risk factors of slow coronary flow.

Methods: Seventy patients with angiographically proven SCF were studied along with 60 control participants. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the angiographic findings as with or without SCF. In both groups, clinical information was collected and laboratory parameters were measured and compared.

Results: Patients with SCF had higher serum uric acid, creatinine and hemoglobin levels. They also more commonly had a history of smoking. On the other hand, C-reactive protein and hematologic parameters such as mean platelet volume (MPV), red cell distribution width (RDW), and neutrophil to lymphocyte (N/L) ratio did not differ significantly between the two groups. In the logistic regression analysis, only uric acid (odds ratio [OR]=1.583, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.011-2.349, P=0.034) was found as an independent correlate of SCF.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates that serum uric acid level is significantly correlated with SCF and may play a role in the development of the condition. These findings provide impetus for additional studies to confirm these results and treatment of SCF.