Intima media thickness, pulse wave velocity, and flow mediated dilation

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Vascular Biology
• Preventive Cardiology

Background:

• Sub-clinical vascular alterations are crucial for early cardiovascular disease detection.
• Classical risk factors alone are insufficient for comprehensive cardiovascular risk stratification.
• Vascular markers offer insights into atherosclerosis and arterial health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review clinical evidence for vascular markers in cardiovascular risk stratification.
• To highlight the importance of correct methodology for clinical application.
• To explore the potential of vascular parameters for screening and prevention.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical evidence on vascular markers.
• Focus on intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery.
• Assessment of arterial stiffness via carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV).
• Evaluation of endothelial dysfunction using flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery.

Main Results:

• Increased IMT is a marker of early atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
• Carotid-femoral PWV significantly improves cardiovascular risk stratification.
• Reduced brachial artery FMD is useful in research and as a surrogate endpoint.
• These markers can enhance risk prediction beyond traditional factors.

Conclusions:

• Vascular markers like IMT, PWV, and FMD are valuable for cardiovascular risk stratification.
• Standardized methodology is essential for routine clinical adoption.
• These markers hold promise for early screening, prevention, and improved patient outcomes.