Influence of vessel size, age and body mass index on the flow-mediated dilatation (FMD%) of the brachial artery

Citation
S. Schroeder et al., Influence of vessel size, age and body mass index on the flow-mediated dilatation (FMD%) of the brachial artery, INT J CARD, 76(2-3), 2000, pp. 219-225
Citations number
20
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
Cardiovascular & Respiratory Systems","Cardiovascular & Hematology Research
Journal title
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
ISSN journal
0167-5273 → ACNP
Volume
76
Issue
2-3
Year of publication
2000
Pages
219 - 225
Database
ISI
SICI code
0167-5273(200011/12)76:2-3<219:IOVSAA>2.0.ZU;2-6
Abstract
Background: The non-invasive determination of the endothelial dysfunction ( ED) of the brachial artery is a widely used method in clinical research. It remained, however, unclear, whether the test-results are influenced by the anatomical vessel size, the patients age, body mass index (BMI) or gender. Methods: The flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMD%) of the brachial artery wa s determined in 122 consecutive (88 male, 34 female) patients. FMD% was mea sured using high resolution ultrasound (13 Mhz) at rest, during reactive hy peraemia and after the sublingual administration of glycerolnitrate (GTN%). Results: Lumen diameters at rest varied from 2.48 mm to 6.33 mm (4.46+/-0. 74 mm). The extent of FMD% as well as of GTN% showed an inverse correlation to the resting lumen diameters (r=-0.33, P<0.001/r=-0.51, P<0.001). This c orrelation was even more distinct in females (females: FMD% r=-0.54, P<0.00 1; GTN% r=-0.64, P<0.001 vs. males: FMD% -0.23, P<0.001; GTN% -0.59, P<0.00 1). No significant influence of age (61+/-9 years, FMD%: r=-0.04, P=0.68, G TN%: r=-0.18, P=0.05) and BMI (27.03=/-3.43 kg/m(2), FMD%: r=0.16, P=0.08, GTN%: r=0.09, P=0.3) on the test results were found. Conclusions: FMD% was found to be rather independent of age or BMI. The anatomical vessel size ha d an influence on the test results, which was more obvious in female patien ts. Our data indicate the necessity of further methodological studies, in l arger, community-based populations. In particular, it needs to be clarified , whether vessel size or even gender-specific correction factors are requir ed when using this technique in routine clinical practice. (C) 2000 Elsevie r Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.