Circulating progenitor cells and coronary microvascular dysfunction: Results from the NHLBI-sponsored Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation – Coronary Vascular Dysfunction Study (WISE-CVD)

•Acute ischemia and vascular injury are associated with increased number of circulating progenitor cells.•Women with coronary microvascular dysfunction have higher counts of circulating CD34+, CD34+/CD133+ and CD34+/CXCR4+ cells.•Chronic microvascular ischemia in the absence of coronary disease may stimulate progenitor cell mobilization.