Measuring microvascular dysfunction directly after percutaneous revascularisation can predict the risk of complications in patients with ST-elevation MI, according to an international team of cardiologists.

Specifically, those with a low microvascular resistance reserve (MRR) score — which measures coronary mechanical reperfusion in small blood vessels irrespective of epicardial disease — were four times more likely to die from any cause or be rehospitalised.

While MRR has already proven useful in the setting of stable coronary artery disease, the researchers said theirs is the first study to demonstrate its prognostic value in adults with ST-elevation MI (STEMI).

“The great thing is that it is a relatively simple measurement that can be used worldwide,” said co-author and cardiologist Dr Mohamed El Farissi, from Catharina Hospital in Eindhoven, the Netherlands.