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Flow associated or flow mediated dilatation? More than just semantics
Insights
Brachial artery dilatation after increased blood flow is reduced in individuals with cardiovascular risk factors or coronary artery disease. This non-invasive measurement shows promise for screening and intervention studies in vascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular physiology
- Vascular function assessment
- Endothelial function research
Background:
- Brachial artery dilatation occurs following increased blood flow.
- This response is attenuated in individuals with cardiovascular risk factors and coronary artery disease.
- The precise mechanisms linking ischemia, flow changes, and brachial artery dilatation are not fully understood.
Abstract:
Dilatation of the brachial artery occurs after flow is increased, and an attenuation in this response is seen in subjects with cardiovascular risk factors, and in those with established coronary artery disease. The mechanisms linking ischaemia, flow changes, and brachial artery dilatation are unclear, and it is not known how these are affected by arterial disease. For the present it might be more appropriate to refer to flow associated rather than flow mediated dilatation, to describe the phenomenon in the brachial artery. Despite these caveats, the non-invasive measurement of brachial artery following ischaemic dilatation represents a significant advance, and its suitability as a surrogate marker for coronary artery dysfunction appears promising. The technique has potential as a tool for screening those at high risk of vascular disease, and as a surrogate endpoint in intervention studies. Further research should clarify the mechanisms involved, and lead to greater insights into the nature of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease.