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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology
Published on: February 7, 2015
Instrumental methods for evaluation of endothelial function
Lyudmila G Vladimirova-Kitova1
1Clinic of Cardiology, Medical University, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
Insights
Endothelial dysfunction, a key factor in atherosclerosis, reflects an integrated index of vascular health. Ultrasound assessment of brachial artery flow-mediated dilation offers a non-invasive method to evaluate this crucial endothelial function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Vascular Biology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Endothelial dysfunction is a systemic disorder central to atherosclerosis pathogenesis.
- Endothelial status integrates multiple atherogenic and atheroprotective factors, including genetic predisposition.
- It represents a vascular phenotype indicative of inherent atherosclerotic risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significance of endothelial dysfunction as an integrated index of cardiovascular risk.
- To discuss advancements in assessing early atherosclerotic changes.
- To introduce noninvasive techniques for evaluating endothelial function.
Main Methods:
- Focuses on ultrasound assessment of flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) of the brachial artery.
- Describes FMD as a measure of nitric oxide-induced vasodilation.
- Emphasizes the non-invasive, accessible, and reproducible nature of the technique.
Main Results:
- Endothelial dysfunction serves as a marker of inherent atherosclerotic risk.
- Noninvasive techniques, particularly brachial artery ultrasound, are now available for clinical assessment.
- Flow-mediated vasodilation measurement provides an index of vasomotor activity.
Conclusions:
- Endothelial dysfunction is a crucial systemic disorder in atherosclerosis.
- Ultrasound assessment of brachial artery FMD is a valuable, practical tool for evaluating endothelial function.
- This noninvasive method aids in identifying individuals at inherent risk for atherosclerosis.
Abstract:
Endothelial dysfunction is a systemic disorder with a key role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and its complications. Current evidence suggests that endothelial status is not determined solely by the individual risk factor burden but is rather regarded as an integrated index of all atherogenic and atheroprotective factors present in an individual, including known as well as yet-unknown variables and genetic predisposition. Endothelial dysfunction reflects a vascular phenotype prone to atherogenesis and may therefore serve as a marker of the inherent atherosclerotic risk in an individual. Recent advances in the understanding of pathophysiology of early atherosclerosis have opened up new opportunities for development of methods for assessment of the earliest changes in the vessel wall. During the last decade some noninvasive techniques have been introduced in clinical practice among which the ultrasound assessment of flow-mediated vasodilation of the brachial artery is the most widely used. These stimuli induce the endothelium to release nitric oxide which causes vasodilation that can be visualized and measured as an index of the vasomotor activity. This technique is attractive because it is non-invasive, accessible and reproducible in everyday clinical practice.
