Nailfold microcirculation in normotensive and essential hypertensive subjects, as assessed by video-microscopy

To compare morphological and hemodynamic parameters of skin microcirculation in the fingertip in patients with essential hypertension and normotensive control subjects.

Consecutive sample of patients.

Digital capillary blood flow measurements under normal and cooled conditions were assessed by nailfold video capillaroscopy using the technique of flying spot.

There was a significant reduction in capillary density in hypertensive patients, compared with normotensive subjects. There was a correlation between capillary density and mean diastolic blood pressure. After local cooling the frequency of the blood flow stop was significantly higher in hypertensive patients.

The finding of abnormal vasoconstriction in finger microcirculation in essential hypertension suggests a vasospastic tendency in the disease.