|
|
||||||||||
|
J Am Coll Cardiol, 2002; 39:257-265 © 2002 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation |








* Division of Cardiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Department of Cardiology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
|| Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
¶ Vascular Diagnostic Laboratory Cardiac Division, Brigham and Womens Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
# Vascular Physiology Unit, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
** Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Medizinische Hochscule, Hannover, Germany

Departments of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA

University College, London, United Kingdom
Manuscript received January 10, 2001; revised manuscript received September 18, 2001, accepted October 19, 2001.
* Reprint requests and correspondence: Dr. Mary C. Corretti, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 22 South Greene Street, Gudelsky Tower Room G3K17, Baltimore, Maryland 21201-1595, USA.
mcorrett{at}medicine.umaryland.edu
Endothelial function is thought to be an important factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, hypertension and heart failure. In the 1990s, high-frequency ultrasonographic imaging of the brachial artery to assess endothelium-dependent flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) was developed. The technique provokes the release of nitric oxide, resulting in vasodilation that can be quantitated as an index of vasomotor function. The noninvasive nature of the technique allows repeated measurements over time to study the effectiveness of various interventions that may affect vascular health. However, despite its widespread use, there are technical and interpretive limitations of this technique. State-of-the-art information is presented and insights are provided into the strengths and limitations of high-resolution ultrasonography of the brachial artery to evaluate vasomotor function, with guidelines for its research application in the study of endothelial physiology.
| ||||||||||||||||
This article has been cited by other articles:
![]() |
M. Pirro, F. Bagaglia, L. Paoletti, R. Razzi, and M. R. Mannarino Review: Hypercholesterolemia-associated endothelial progenitor cell dysfunction Therapeutic Advances in Cardiovascular Disease, October 1, 2008; 2(5): 329 - 339. [Abstract] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
S. E. E. Berry, S. Tucker, R. Banerji, B. Jiang, P. J. Chowienczyk, S. M. Charles, and T. A. B. Sanders Impaired Postprandial Endothelial Function Depends on the Type of Fat Consumed by Healthy Men J. Nutr., October 1, 2008; 138(10): 1910 - 1914. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
D. H. J. Thijssen, M. M. van Bemmel, L. M. Bullens, E. A. Dawson, N. D. Hopkins, T. M. Tinken, M. A. Black, M. T. E. Hopman, N. T. Cable, and D. J. Green The impact of baseline diameter on flow-mediated dilation differs in young and older humans Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, October 1, 2008; 295(4): H1594 - H1598. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
R. C. Thurston, K. Sutton-Tyrrell, S. A. Everson-Rose, R. Hess, and K. A. Matthews Hot Flashes and Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease: Findings From the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation Heart Study Circulation, September 16, 2008; 118(12): 1234 - 1240. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
P. Soltesz, H. Der, K. Veres, R. Laczik, S. Sipka, G. Szegedi, and P. Szodoray Immunological features of primary anti-phospholipid syndrome in connection with endothelial dysfunction Rheumatology, September 9, 2008; (2008) ken349v1. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
A. M. Abbatecola, M. Barbieri, M. R. Rizzo, R. Grella, M. T. Laieta, E. Quaranta, A. M. Molinari, M. Cioffi, P. Fioretto, and G. Paolisso Arterial Stiffness and Cognition in Elderly Persons With Impaired Glucose Tolerance and Microalbuminuria J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci., September 1, 2008; 63(9): 991 - 996. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
D. Romualdi, B. Costantini, L. Selvaggi, M. Giuliani, F. Cristello, F. Macri, A. Bompiani, A. Lanzone, and M. Guido Metformin improves endothelial function in normoinsulinemic PCOS patients: a new prospective Hum. Reprod., September 1, 2008; 23(9): 2127 - 2133. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
S. K. Nishiyama, D. W. Wray, and R. S. Richardson Sex and limb-specific ischemic reperfusion and vascular reactivity Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, September 1, 2008; 295(3): H1100 - H1108. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
T. Sugiura, T. Kondo, Y. Kureishi-Bando, Y. Numaguchi, O. Yoshida, Y. Dohi, G. Kimura, R. Ueda, T. J. Rabelink, and T. Murohara Nifedipine Improves Endothelial Function: Role of Endothelial Progenitor Cells Hypertension, September 1, 2008; 52(3): 491 - 498. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
F. J. Torriani, L. Komarow, R. A. Parker, B. R. Cotter, J. S. Currier, M. P. Dube, C. J. Fichtenbaum, M. Gerschenson, C. K.C. Mitchell, R. L. Murphy, et al. Endothelial Function in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Antiretroviral-Naive Subjects Before and After Starting Potent Antiretroviral Therapy: The ACTG (AIDS Clinical Trials Group) Study 5152s J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., August 12, 2008; 52(7): 569 - 576. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
M. Dhindsa, S. M. Sommerlad, A. E. DeVan, J. N. Barnes, J. Sugawara, O. Ley, and H. Tanaka Interrelationships among noninvasive measures of postischemic macro- and microvascular reactivity J Appl Physiol, August 1, 2008; 105(2): 427 - 432. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
C. T. Minson and D. J. Green Measures of vascular reactivity: prognostic crystal ball or Pandora's box? J Appl Physiol, August 1, 2008; 105(2): 398 - 399. [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
E. Anastasakis, K. I. Paraskevas, N. Papantoniou, G. Daskalakis, S. Mesogitis, D. P. Mikhailidis, and A. Antsaklis Association Between Abnormal Uterine Artery Doppler Flow Velocimetry, Risk of Preeclampsia, and Indices of Arterial Structure and Function: A Pilot Study Angiology, August 1, 2008; 59(4): 493 - 499. [Abstract] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
E. Mannarino and M. Pirro Endothelial Injury and Repair: A Novel Theory for Atherosclerosis Angiology, August 1, 2008; 59(2_suppl): 69S - 72S. [Abstract] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
M. Juonala, J. S.A. Viikari, M. Kahonen, T. Solakivi, H. Helenius, A. Jula, J. Marniemi, L. Taittonen, T. Laitinen, T. Nikkari, et al. Childhood Levels of Serum Apolipoproteins B and A-I Predict Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Brachial Endothelial Function in Adulthood: The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., July 22, 2008; 52(4): 293 - 299. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
A. E. Tjonna, S. J. Lee, O. Rognmo, T. O. Stolen, A. Bye, P. M. Haram, J. P. Loennechen, Q. Y. Al-Share, E. Skogvoll, S. A. Slordahl, et al. Aerobic Interval Training Versus Continuous Moderate Exercise as a Treatment for the Metabolic Syndrome: A Pilot Study Circulation, July 22, 2008; 118(4): 346 - 354. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
F. Khan Commentary on Viewpoint: The human cutaneous circulation as a model of generalized microvascular function J Appl Physiol, July 1, 2008; 105(1): 385 - 385. [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
B. Fernhall and S. Agiovlasitis Arterial function in youth: window into cardiovascular risk J Appl Physiol, July 1, 2008; 105(1): 325 - 333. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
L. Moro, C. Pedone, S. Scarlata, V. Malafarina, F. Fimognari, and R. Antonelli-Incalzi Endothelial Dysfunction in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Angiology, July 1, 2008; 59(3): 357 - 364. [Abstract] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
R. Belardinelli, F. Lacalaprice, C. Ventrella, L. Volpe, and E. Faccenda Waltz Dancing in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure: New Form of Exercise Training Circ Heart Fail, July 1, 2008; 1(2): 107 - 114. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
W. L. Hall, N. L. Formanuik, D. Harnpanich, M. Cheung, D. Talbot, P. J. Chowienczyk, and T. A. B. Sanders A Meal Enriched with Soy Isoflavones Increases Nitric Oxide-Mediated Vasodilation in Healthy Postmenopausal Women J. Nutr., July 1, 2008; 138(7): 1288 - 1292. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
M. Rakobowchuk, S. Tanguay, K. A. Burgomaster, K. R. Howarth, M. J. Gibala, and M. J. MacDonald Sprint interval and traditional endurance training induce similar improvements in peripheral arterial stiffness and flow-mediated dilation in healthy humans Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol, July 1, 2008; 295(1): R236 - R242. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
J. Aittokallio, O. Polo, J. Hiissa, A. Virkki, J. Toikka, O. Raitakari, T. Saaresranta, and T. Aittokallio Overnight variability in transcutaneous carbon dioxide predicts vascular impairment in women Exp Physiol, July 1, 2008; 93(7): 880 - 891. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
S. Ashfaq, J. L. Abramson, D. P. Jones, S. D. Rhodes, W. S. Weintraub, W. C. Hooper, V. Vaccarino, R. W. Alexander, D. G. Harrison, and A. A. Quyyumi Endothelial Function and Aminothiol Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Healthy Adults Hypertension, July 1, 2008; 52(1): 80 - 85. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
J. R. Jennings, M. F. Muldoon, J. Price, I. C. Christie, and C. C. Meltzer Cerebrovascular Support for Cognitive Processing in Hypertensive Patients Is Altered by Blood Pressure Treatment Hypertension, July 1, 2008; 52(1): 65 - 71. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
A. R. Pries, H. Habazettl, G. Ambrosio, P. R. Hansen, J. C. Kaski, V. Schachinger, H. Tillmanns, G. Vassalli, I. Tritto, M. Weis, et al. A review of methods for assessment of coronary microvascular disease in both clinical and experimental settings Cardiovasc Res, June 25, 2008; (2008) cvn136v2. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
J. Balzer, T. Rassaf, C. Heiss, P. Kleinbongard, T. Lauer, M. Merx, N. Heussen, H. B. Gross, C. L. Keen, H. Schroeter, et al. Sustained benefits in vascular function through flavanol-containing cocoa in medicated diabetic patients a double-masked, randomized, controlled trial. J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., June 3, 2008; 51(22): 2141 - 2149. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
J. Muller-Ehmsen, D. Braun, T. Schneider, R. Pfister, N. Worm, K. Wielckens, C. Scheid, P. Frommolt, and M. Flesch Decreased number of circulating progenitor cells in obesity: beneficial effects of weight reduction Eur. Heart J., June 2, 2008; 29(12): 1560 - 1568. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
K. E. Pyke, V. Poitras, and M. E. Tschakovsky Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation during handgrip exercise: evidence for endothelial transduction of the mean shear stimulus Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, June 1, 2008; 294(6): H2669 - H2679. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
R. Vogel Listening to the Endothelium: A Story of Signal and Noise J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., May 20, 2008; 51(20): 1965 - 1966. [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
D. S. Celermajer Reliable Endothelial Function Testing: At Our Fingertips? Circulation, May 13, 2008; 117(19): 2428 - 2430. [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
M. Juonala, M. Kahonen, T. Laitinen, N. Hutri-Kahonen, E. Jokinen, L. Taittonen, M. Pietikainen, H. Helenius, J. S.A. Viikari, and O. T. Raitakari Effect of age and sex on carotid intima-media thickness, elasticity and brachial endothelial function in healthy adults: The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study Eur. Heart J., May 1, 2008; 29(9): 1198 - 1206. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
A. Leone and A. Balbarini Exposure to Passive Smoking: A Test to Predict Endothelial Dysfunction and Atherosclerotic Lesions Angiology, May 1, 2008; 59(2): 220 - 223. [Abstract] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
C. Pizzi, L. Manzoli, S. Mancini, and G. M. Costa Analysis of potential predictors of depression among coronary heart disease risk factors including heart rate variability, markers of inflammation, and endothelial function Eur. Heart J., May 1, 2008; 29(9): 1110 - 1117. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
E. Linden, W. Cai, J. C. He, C. Xue, Z. Li, J. Winston, H. Vlassara, and J. Uribarri Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Results from Advanced Glycation End Products (AGE)-Mediated Inhibition of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase through RAGE Activation Clin. J. Am. Soc. Nephrol., May 1, 2008; 3(3): 691 - 698. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
S. Jelic, M. Padeletti, S. M. Kawut, C. Higgins, S. M. Canfield, D. Onat, P. C. Colombo, R. C. Basner, P. Factor, and T. H. LeJemtel Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Repair Capacity of the Vascular Endothelium in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Circulation, April 29, 2008; 117(17): 2270 - 2278. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
A. J. Flammer, I. Sudano, F. Hermann, S. Gay, A. Forster, M. Neidhart, P. Kunzler, F. Enseleit, D. Periat, M. Hermann, et al. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibition Improves Vascular Function in Rheumatoid Arthritis Circulation, April 29, 2008; 117(17): 2262 - 2269. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
D. Calderaro, M. C. Monachini, C. L.Z. Vieira, P. C. Yu, D. M. Gualandro, A. C. Marques, and B. Caramelli Reactive Hyperemia Revisited Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol., April 1, 2008; 28(4): e23 - e24. [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
H. Komai, Y. Higami, H. Tanaka, K. Honda, M. Juri, and Y. Okamura Impaired Flow-Mediated Endothelium-Dependent and Endothelium-Independent Vasodilation of the Brachial Artery in Patients With Atherosclerotic Peripheral Vascular Disease Angiology, March 1, 2008; 59(1): 52 - 56. [Abstract] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
K-K Lau, Y-H Chan, K-H Yiu, S Tam, S-W Li, C-P Lau, and H-F Tse Incremental predictive value of vascular assessments combined with the Framingham Risk Score for prediction of coronary events in subjects of low-intermediate risk Postgrad. Med. J., March 1, 2008; 84(989): 153 - 157. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
M. Kooijman, D. H. J. Thijssen, P. C. E. de Groot, M. W. P. Bleeker, H. J. M. van Kuppevelt, D. J. Green, G. A. Rongen, P. Smits, and M. T. E. Hopman Flow-mediated dilatation in the superficial femoral artery is nitric oxide mediated in humans J. Physiol., February 15, 2008; 586(4): 1137 - 1145. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
M. Saglam, U. Bozlar, F. Kantarci, H. Ay, B. Battal, and U. Coskun Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen on Flow-Mediated Vasodilation: An Ultrasound Study J. Ultrasound Med., February 1, 2008; 27(2): 209 - 214. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
R. Maas, E. Schwedhelm, L. Kahl, H. Li, R. Benndorf, N. Luneburg, U. Forstermann, and R. H. Boger Simultaneous Assessment of Endothelial Function, Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity, Nitric Oxide-Mediated Signaling, and Oxidative Stress in Individuals with and without Hypercholesterolemia Clin. Chem., February 1, 2008; 54(2): 292 - 300. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
H. Kawano, M. Tanimoto, K. Yamamoto, K. Sanada, Y. Gando, I. Tabata, M. Higuchi, and M. Miyachi Resistance training in men is associated with increased arterial stiffness and blood pressure but does not adversely affect endothelial function as measured by arterial reactivity to the cold pressor test Exp Physiol, February 1, 2008; 93(2): 296 - 302. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
M. A. Black, N. T. Cable, D. H.J. Thijssen, and D. J. Green Importance of Measuring the Time Course of Flow-Mediated Dilatation in Humans Hypertension, February 1, 2008; 51(2): 203 - 210. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
T. Cascella, S. Palomba, I. De Sio, F. Manguso, F. Giallauria, B. De Simone, D. Tafuri, G. Lombardi, A. Colao, and F. Orio Visceral fat is associated with cardiovascular risk in women with polycystic ovary syndrome Hum. Reprod., January 1, 2008; 23(1): 153 - 159. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
R. G. Barr, S. Mesia-Vela, J. H. M. Austin, R. C. Basner, B. M. Keller, A. P. Reeves, D. Shimbo, and L. Stevenson Impaired Flow-mediated Dilation Is Associated with Low Pulmonary Function and Emphysema in Ex-smokers: The Emphysema and Cancer Action Project (EMCAP) Study Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med., December 15, 2007; 176(12): 1200 - 1207. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
T. Okamoto, M. Masuhara, and K. Ikuta Combined aerobic and resistance training and vascular function: effect of aerobic exercise before and after resistance training J Appl Physiol, November 1, 2007; 103(5): 1655 - 1661. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
E. T. Vestergaard, N. H. Andersen, T. K. Hansen, L. M. Rasmussen, N. Moller, K. E. Sorensen, E. Sloth, and J. O. L. Jorgensen Cardiovascular effects of intravenous ghrelin infusion in healthy young men Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, November 1, 2007; 293(5): H3020 - H3026. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
M. Briet, C. Collin, S. Laurent, A. Tan, M. Azizi, M. Agharazii, X. Jeunemaitre, F. Alhenc-Gelas, and P. Boutouyrie Endothelial Function and Chronic Exposure to Air Pollution in Normal Male Subjects Hypertension, November 1, 2007; 50(5): 970 - 976. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
Y.-H. Chan, K.-K. Lau, K.-H. Yiu, S.-W. Li, H.-T. Chan, S. Tam, X.-O. Shu, C.-P. Lau, and H.-F. Tse Isoflavone intake in persons at high risk of cardiovascular events: implications for vascular endothelial function and the carotid atherosclerotic burden Am. J. Clinical Nutrition, October 1, 2007; 86(4): 938 - 945. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
J. A Blumenthal, A. Sherwood, S. D. Rogers, M. A. Babyak, P. Murali Doraiswamy, L. Watkins, B. M. Hoffman, C. O'Connell, J. J. Johnson, S. M. Patidar, et al. Understanding prognostic benefits of exercise and antidepressant therapy for persons with depression and heart disease: the UPBEAT study rationale, design, and methodological issues Clinical Trials, October 1, 2007; 4(5): 548 - 559. [Abstract] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
F. Bilora, E. Zanon, A. Casonato, A. Bertomoro, F. Petrobelli, M. Cavraro, E. Campagnolo, and A. Girolami Type IIB von Willebrand Disease: Role of Qualitative Defects in Atherosclerosis and Endothelial Dysfunction Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis, October 1, 2007; 13(4): 384 - 390. [Abstract] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
A. Philpott and T. J. Anderson Reactive Hyperemia and Cardiovascular Risk Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol., October 1, 2007; 27(10): 2065 - 2067. [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
P. Dandona, A. Chaudhuri, and P. Mohanty Macronutrients, Advanced Glycation End Products, and Vascular Reactivity Diabetes Care, October 1, 2007; 30(10): 2750 - 2751. [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
G. A. Ferreira, T. P. Navarro, R. W. Telles, L. E. C. Andrade, and E. I. Sato Atorvastatin therapy improves endothelial-dependent vasodilation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: an 8 weeks controlled trial Rheumatology, October 1, 2007; 46(10): 1560 - 1565. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
R. Schnabel and S. Blankenberg Oxidative Stress in Cardiovascular Disease: Successful Translation From Bench to Bedside? Circulation, September 18, 2007; 116(12): 1338 - 1340. [Full Text] [PDF] |