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Updated: May 16, 2026

A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology
Published on: February 7, 2015
[Vascular function tests and new technology in the early phase of atherosclerosis]
Yukiyo Ogata1, Nobuyuki Taniguchi
1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke 329-0498, Japan. y-ogata@jichi.ac.jp
Insights
Detecting early arteriosclerosis through vascular function tests like pulse wave velocity (PWV) and carotid ultrasonography can help prevent cardiovascular events. This review explores non-invasive methods for assessing vascular health and arterial stiffness.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Vascular Biology
- Medical Diagnostics
Context:
- Early detection of arteriosclerosis is crucial for preventing cardiovascular events.
- Arteriosclerosis involves the hardening and narrowing of arteries.
- Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of mortality worldwide.
Purpose:
- To review current non-invasive methods for assessing vascular function.
- To explore the relationship between arterial function tests and disease states.
- To discuss emerging technologies for measuring arterial stiffness.
Summary:
- Non-invasive techniques including pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AI), and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) assess vascular function.
- Carotid ultrasonography evaluates morphological changes and arterial stiffness.
- These methods aid in the early diagnosis of arteriosclerosis.
Impact:
- Enables earlier intervention to prevent cardiovascular events.
- Provides insights into the progression of vascular diseases.
- Highlights advancements in diagnostic technology for vascular health.
Abstract:
The present topic of vascular function concerns how we detect the earliest arteriosclerotic changes. If we could diagnose the early phase of atherosclerosis, we would be able to intervene to prevent cardiovascular events caused by atherosclerosis. Recently, it became possible to examine vascular function non-invasively by pulse wave velocity (PWV), the augmentation index (AI) and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery induced by reactive hyperemia. Carotid ultrasonography is used to observe the morphological change and arterial stiffness of the carotid artery. This review focuses on the relation between arterial function tests and diseases, the method for measuring vascular function, and new technology for arterial stiffness.
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