Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 23, 2026
Non-invasive Assessment of Microvascular and Endothelial Function
Published on: January 29, 2013
New approaches to screening for vascular and cardiac risk
1Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455, USA. cohnx001@umn.edu
Insights
Early detection of cardiovascular disease risk is possible in asymptomatic individuals. Screening for arterial elasticity and left ventricular changes can identify those needing interventions to prevent future cardiac events.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Preventive Cardiology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Cardiovascular morbid events stem from vascular and cardiac diseases, often detectable before organ symptoms manifest.
- Early identification of endothelial dysfunction and left ventricular remodeling can pinpoint at-risk individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the potential of screening asymptomatic individuals for early cardiovascular abnormalities.
- To emphasize the need for targeted interventions in high-risk populations.
Main Methods:
- Pulse wave analysis assesses small artery elasticity, correlating with endothelial function.
- Left ventricular structural changes are evaluated using echocardiography or by measuring brain natriuretic peptide levels.
Main Results:
- Available screening techniques can detect preclinical vascular and cardiac abnormalities.
- These methods identify individuals susceptible to cardiovascular disease progression.
Conclusions:
- Early screening for arterial and cardiac abnormalities can identify at-risk individuals.
- Further large-scale trials are needed to validate these screening techniques and tailored interventions.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular morbid events occur as a consequence of vascular and cardiac disease, which can be identified long before symptoms of organ involvement become apparent. Early detection of abnormalities in the small arteries, especially deficiency of endothelial nitric oxide bioactivity, and of structural changes of remodeling in the left ventricle can identify individuals at risk for morbid events. These individuals should be the target for aggressive lifestyle and pharmacologic interventions known to favorably affect the progression of disease. Techniques are now available for screening of asymptomatic individuals to detect early vascular and cardiac abnormalities likely to lead to progression of disease. Pulse wave analysis provides an assessment of small artery elasticity that appears to correlate with endothelial function. Left ventricular structural alterations can be assessed by ultrasound or by circulating levels of brain natriuretic peptide. The usefulness of these early screening techniques to encourage tailored interventions in susceptible individuals needs to be explored in large-scale trials.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
01:23Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
01:20Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
01:25Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
01:26Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures