Phantom Risk

A dangerous heart disorder often does not show up on an angiogram.

Recent study: At least half of women with chest pain who showed no evidence of blocked arteries on an angiogram had cholesterol buildup that restricted blood flow to the heart. This disorder, coronary microvascular syndrome, which affects women 80% of the time, can more than triple heart attack risk.

Self-defense: If you have recurrent chest pain and an angiogram shows no blockage, ask your physician about further testing.