FMD & Arterial Dissection Clinic
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is usually caused by fatty deposits (plaque) in the artery walls. These deposits are encouraged by high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, tobacco smoking, and diabetes. Cholesterol-lowering medicines are often prescribed for people with CAD. However, sometimes arteries narrow or dissect without plaque build-up, possibly due to underlying Fibromuscular Dysplasia (FMD) or Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD). Why does this matter? Because the treatments we prescribe for CAD, FMD, and SCAD may differ. Recent studies have also found genetic associations between FMD and SCAD that have a high prevalence of vascular abnormalities, including aneurysms.
🎥 Watch Dr. Coulter’s Presentation The Rise in Non-Atherosclerotic Vascular Conditions: Time to Consider FMD & SCAD
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) is a condition in which the artery wall in your heart tears, and blood flows between the layers of the artery walls. The tear can reduce or block blood flow to your heart, damaging your heart muscle and affecting your heart rhythm. SCAD is a severe condition that can lead to reduced blood flow and could cause a heart attack or cardiac arrest (cardiopulmonary arrest).
Fibromuscular Dysplasia (FMD) is a condition impacting women disproportionately – in fact, women represent 90% of FMD cases. A treatment strategy for FMD may include different medications, such as medicine for blood pressure and clots, or even require vascular procedures.
Photo credit: Dr. Santhi Ganesh/Ganesh Laboratory
Learn More
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection ( SCAD)
Inside the Studio with Dr. Stephanie Coulter
What kind of treatment is there for FMD?
It’s Not About the Plaque, FMD in Women
How to Make an Appointment
Contact the FMD & Arterial Dissection Clinic at (713) 600-9213 or Request a call from our FMD Clinic Coordinator through this Contact Form. New FMD Clinic Patient Packet (Complete Before Appointment)
Research to Improve Treatment Outcomes
Our clinic collaborates with The Texas Heart Institute’s Center for Women’s Heart & Vascular Health to conduct research on SCAD and FMD.
The Texas Heart Institute is a site for the North American Registry for Fibromuscular Dysplasia (FMD Registry). The FMD Registry is a global research effort designed to collect clinical data and provide resources for FMD patients and healthcare providers. The Texas Heart Institute’s participation in the FMD Registry underscores its long-standing commitment to advancing research and improving care for those affected by FMD. By participating in the registry, The Texas Heart Institute contributes clinical information that can help inform treatment decisions and improve outcomes for FMD patients.
“We are proud to join the FMD Registry and contribute to this important research effort. By sharing our data and experiences, we hope to make a real difference in the lives of those affected by FMD, which primarily affects women in the prime of their life.”
– Dr. Stephanie Coulter
Contact the Registry to Request Contact by our FMD Research Team at fmd@texasheart.org
