Coronary collateral artery development
Anything specific that we can do to promote measure collateral arteries....why do some folks develop collaterals at an early age versus those who do not at all?
Yes , there is some genetic difference in developing collaterals but there is no clinical testing for that. DM and Female sex is associated with poor development of collaterals and calcium channel blockers drugs like Verapamil and statins are associated with better collateral circulation. the development of collateral circulation in the coronary arteries can be promoted by physical exercise. One paper showed > 10 hrs of exercise per week ( not intensity related) can develop more collaterals . The other pharmacological stimulation (e.g., G-CSF), mechanical interventions (e.g., external counter pulsation) are very tedious and can be only done in patients with EXTREME angina only.