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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial Function: A Technical Guideline of the Flow-mediated Dilation Test
Published on: April 27, 2016
The endothelial cell in health and disease: its function, dysfunction, measurement and therapy
B G Schwartz1, C Economides, G S Mayeda
1Heart Institute, Good Samaritan Hospital, Los Angeles, California 90017, USA.
Insights
This review highlights the critical role of endothelial cells in cardiovascular health and erectile function. Understanding endothelial dysfunction is key to managing atherosclerosis and erectile dysfunction (ED).
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Endocrinology
- Urology
Background:
- Endothelial cells perform vital endocrine functions, impacting vasodilation and penile erection.
- Endothelial dysfunction is linked to cardiovascular disease risk factors, atherosclerosis, and erectile dysfunction (ED).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review endothelial function and dysfunction.
- To explore the role of endothelial dysfunction in atherosclerosis and ED.
- To summarize methods for measuring endothelial function and available therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on endothelial function and dysfunction.
- Examination of various measurement techniques including catheter-based, plethysmography, ultrasound, and tonometry.
- Review of therapeutic interventions targeting endothelial function.
Main Results:
- Endothelial dysfunction is a significant factor in the development of atherosclerosis and ED.
- Multiple methods exist for assessing endothelial function, aiding clinical diagnosis.
- Various therapies can improve endothelial function, offering treatment avenues.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of endothelial function, dysfunction, measurement, and treatment is crucial for clinicians.
- Recognizing the endothelium's importance is key to managing cardiovascular and erectile health.
Abstract:
Endothelial cells have numerous endocrine functions and contribute to a variety of processes, including penile erection and vasodilation. Endothelial dysfunction is associated with cardiovascular risk factors and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and ED. This study reviews endothelial function, in addition to endothelial dysfunction and its role in atherosclerosis and ED. Measurement of endothelial function is reviewed, including catheter-based methods, venous occlusion plethysmography, high-frequency ultrasound, peripheral arterial tonometry, digital pulse amplitude tonometry, digital thermal monitoring, the L-arginine test and measurement of compounds released by endothelial cells. Therapy and medications that improve endothelial function are reviewed. As the scientific community learns more about the importance of the endothelium, it is increasingly important for the clinician to understand endothelial function, dysfunction, measurement of endothelial function and therapies that affect this remarkable cell type.
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