Indonesian Journal of Cardiology
Vol 46 No 4 (2025): October - December, 2025

Could Cardiac Shockwave Therapy be the Breakthrough Solution for Refractory Angina? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Pramesuari, Florentina Dewi (Unknown)
Aditya, Muhammad Reva (Unknown)
Mahbubi, Mustika (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
16 Dec 2025

Abstract

Background: Refractory angina (RA) is a chronic condition unresponsive to standard treatments like PCI or CABG, leaving limited options for many patients. Cardiac shockwave therapy (CSWT) is a novel, noninvasive approach that enhances myocardial perfusion through microvascular regeneration. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate the effectiveness of CSWT in managing RA. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using electronic databases (Cochrane, PubMed, and ScienceDirect), including comparative studies with controls that evaluated CSWT in RA patients between 2010 and 2024. Studies not in English, with irrelevant outcomes, or lacking full-text access, were excluded. Data were extracted and analyzed using a random-effects model to address heterogeneity. Results: Seven studies, including 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 4 observational studies, with a total of 417 patients were analyzed. CSWT demonstrated significant improvements in multiple clinical outcomes. CSWT reduces angina severity in CSWT reduces angina severity in CCS grade (MD -0.76, 95% CI -0.97, -0.55, P < 0.00001) and in NYHA class (MD -0.62, 95% CI -0.95, -0.30, P = 0.0002), increased the 6- Minute Walk Test (6MWT) distance by 57.63 meters (MD 57.63, 95% CI 16.71, 98.54, P = 0.006), increased SAQ scores by 10.96 points (MD 10.96, 95% CI 1.66, 20.26, P = 0.02), improved LVEF by 4.43% (MD 4.43, 95% CI: 2.66 to 6.21, P< 0.01), and decreased nitroglycerin usage by 1.62 intake per week (MD -1.62, 95% CI -2.61, -0.62, P = 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in LVEDD between the two groups. Conclusion: CSWT appears to be a promising therapeutic option for patients with RA, demonstrating improvement in CCS angina class, NYHA class, 6-min walk test distances, SAQ score, LVEF, and reduces nitroglycerin usage. Keyword: Cardiac Shockwave Therapy, Refractory Angina, Non-invasive Cardiac Therapy, Chronic Angina Treatment, Innovative Angina Therapies

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijc

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology

Description

Indonesian Journal of Cardiology (IJC) is a peer-reviewed and open-access journal established by Indonesian Heart Association (IHA)/Perhimpunan Dokter Spesialis Kardiovaskular Indonesia (PERKI) [www.inaheart.org] on the year 1979. This journal is published to meet the needs of physicians and other ...