Assessment of endothelium-independent vasodilation: from methodology to clinical perspectives. Issue 7 (July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Maruhashi, Tatsuya; Kihara, Yasuki; Higashi, Yukihito
• Is Part Of: Journal of hypertension. Volume 36:Issue 7(2018:Jul.)
• Publication Date: 2018-07
• Subjects: atherosclerosis -- endothelial function -- endothelium-independent vasodilation -- nitroglycerine-induced vasodilation; Hypertension -- Periodicals; Hypertension -- Periodicals; 616.132005
• DOI: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000001750
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-5598

Abstract

Abstract : N/A: Vascular response to exogenously administered nitroglycerine, an index of endothelium-independent vasodilation, has been used as a control test for the assessment of endothelium-dependent vasodilation (endothelial function) in humans. However, evidence has been accumulating that not only endothelium-dependent vasodilation but also endothelium-independent vasodilation per se is impaired in individuals with cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular disease. Impaired endothelium-independent vasodilation is associated with structural vascular alterations and alterations in vascular smooth muscle cells. Several methods, including assessment of vascular responses to vasoactive agents using angiography in a coronary artery and vascular responses to vasoactive agents using venous occlusion plethysmography and ultrasonography in a peripheral artery, are used to assess endothelium-independent vasodilation in humans. Measurement of endothelium-independent vasodilation is also useful for assessment of atherosclerosis and may be a predictor of future cardiovascular events. In this review, we focus on assessment of endothelium-independent vasodilation from methodology aspects to clinical perspectives.