A methodological approach to non-invasive assessments of vascular function and morphology.
The endothelium is the innermost lining of the vasculature and is involved in the maintenance of vascular homeostasis. Damage to the endothelium may predispose the vessel to atherosclerosis and increase the risk for cardiovascular disease. Assessments of peripheral endothelial function are good indicators of early abnormalities in the vascular wall and correlate well with assessments of coronary endothelial function. The present manuscript details the important methodological steps necessary for the assessment of microvascular endothelial function using laser Doppler imaging with iontophoresis, large vessel endothelial function using flow-mediated dilatation, and carotid atherosclerosis using carotid artery ultrasound. A discussion on the methodological considerations for each of the techniques is also presented, and recommendations are made for future research.
School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, Bangor University; Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust, Russells Hall Hospital; aamer.sandoo@nhs.net.
Aamer
A
Sandoo
Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust, Russells Hall Hospital; Arthritis Research UK Epidemiology Unit, University of Manchester.
George D
GD
Kitas
D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D059168:Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007478:Iontophoresis / Q000379:methods*; D017078:Laser-Doppler Flowmetry / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged