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Updated: Sep 3, 2025
Assessing Endothelial Vasodilator Function with the Endo-PAT 2000
Published on: October 15, 2010
Endothelial function evaluation in idiopathic vs. ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy
Edoardo Pancaldi1, Chiara Tedino1, Mauro Riccardi1
1Cardiology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia Brescia, Italy.
Insights
Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is similarly prevalent in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) and ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM). Peripheral arterial tonometry reveals compromised endothelial function in both heart failure types.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Biology
- Heart Failure Pathophysiology
Background:
- Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is increasingly recognized in early heart failure (HF) pathogenesis.
- The role of ED in HF versus atherosclerosis in ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) requires clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the prevalence of ED in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) versus ICM.
- To investigate endothelial function in distinct heart failure etiologies.
Main Methods:
- Observational study including 107 patients (65 IDCM, 42 ICM).
- Endothelial function assessed using peripheral arterial tonometry (EndoPAT) to calculate the Reactive Hyperaemia Index (RHI).
- ED defined as RHI ≤1.67; normal function >2.00.
Main Results:
- Similar prevalence of ED (RHI ≤1.67 and RHI ≤2.00) in both IDCM and ICM groups.
- Differences observed in sex distribution, dyslipidemia, and statin use between groups.
Conclusions:
- Endothelial function appears equally compromised in IDCM and ICM.
- Peripheral artery tonometry is a valuable tool for assessing endothelial function in heart failure.
Aims:
In the latest years an emerging interest has risen towards the role of endothelial dysfunction (ED) in the pathogenesis of heart failure (HF) since the very first steps of the disease. Since the prevalent etiology of HF is ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM), it is still not clear whether the connection with ED is linked to HF itself or to atherosclerosis. The aim is to determine the presence of ED in subjects with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) compared to ICM.
Methods:
In this observational study 107 patients were enrolled, 65 of them suffering from IDCM and 42 from ICM. ED was assessed as peripheral arterial tonometry by means of EndoPAT device. The Reactive Hyperaemia Index (RHI) was calculated, ED being established with RHI values ≤1.67 and normal endothelial function >2.00 (grey area between 1.67 and 2.00).
Results:
ED, expressed both as RHI ≤1.67 and RHI ≤2.00, showed a similar prevalence in the two groups. However, they differed as regards sex, dyslipidemia and statin use.
Conclusion:
Endothelial function, evaluated through peripheral artery tonometry, seems equally compromised in patients with IDCM and ICM.
