Abstract
In response to physical and chemical stimuli, the endothelium regulates vascular tone
through the release of vasodilators, such as nitric oxide, and vasoconstrictors, such
as endothelin. Increased blood flow is an important stimulus for endothelium-mediated
vasodilation (flow-mediated vasodilation). Brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation
can be assessed using high-frequency ultrasound assessment of changes in brachial
artery diameter after a 5-minute blood pressure cuff arterial occlusion. Endothelial
dysfunction is demonstrated as reduced vasodilation, which is usually associated with
the presence of coronary risk factors. Brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation
correlates with coronary artery flow-mediated vasodilation. Both indexes have been
shown to predict long-term cardiovascular events. Whereas the clinical applicability
of brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation is unclear, it has become a frequently
employed measure of endothelial function.
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© 2001 Excerpta Medica Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
