Long-term Follow-up of Patients with Coronary Slow Flow: A Speckle-tracking Echocardiography Study

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Arslan M., Kayhan Ö. Ö., Akçay Ürkmez Ç., Turgul C., Barutçu A., Ohtaroğlu Tokdil K.

Interventional Cardiology Perspectives, vol.1, no.2, pp.67-71, 2025 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)

• Publication Type: Article / Article
• Volume: 1 Issue: 2
• Publication Date: 2025
• Doi Number: 10.4274/intercardiopers.2025.2025-3-3
• Journal Name: Interventional Cardiology Perspectives
• Page Numbers: pp.67-71
• Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Background

While earlier studies have indicated that patients with coronary slow flow (CSF) tend to have favorable outcomes, long-term prospective data remain limited.

Aim

This study aimed to assess the long-term clinical significance of CSF and its effect on cardiac function.

Study Design

A 5-year clinical follow-up was conducted to assess cardiac function in patients with CSF using both conventional and speckle-tracking echocardiography.

Methods

Nineteen patients diagnosed with CSF were included. Echocardiographic and strain parameters were recorded at baseline and re-evaluated after five years. Clinical follow-up was maintained throughout the study period.

Results

No significant changes were observed in echocardiographic or longitudinal strain parameters, all of which remained within normal limits. During the follow-up, there were no cases of mortality, cardiac-related hospitalizations, or acute coronary syndromes.

Conclusion

Patients with CSF demonstrated preserved cardiac function and a favorable long-term prognosis. Ongoing medical treatment likely played a role in maintaining these outcomes.