Flow-mediated dilation

Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) refers to dilation of an artery when blood flow increases. FMD is determined in humans using a noninvasive ultrasound assessment of the brachial artery. It is a research indicator for endothelial function and possible diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. In laboratory research, release of nitric oxide by endothelial cells is a factor producing FMD.

Method

To determine FMD, brachial artery dilation following a transient period of forearm ischemia is measured using ultrasound. Because the value of FMD can be compromised when improperly applied, a standardized method for measuring FMD is used. The clinical value of FMD is limited by the fact that it is difficult to measure, requiring a skilled and well-trained clinician.

Research

FMD has been used as a noninvasive index of the function of resistance vessels and the capillary endothelium. Low FMD is used as a potential predictor of future cardiovascular disease, and as a possible biomarker for blood vessel disorders associated with chronic smoking.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Kelm M (2002). "Flow-mediated dilatation in human circulation: diagnostic and therapeutic aspects". American Journal of Physiology. 282 (1): H1–H5. doi:10.1152/ajpheart.2002.282.1.h1. PMID 11748041.
  2. ↑ Tremblay JC, Pyke KE (2018). "Flow-mediated dilation stimulated by sustained increases in shear stress: a useful tool for assessing endothelial function in humans?". American Journal of Physiology. Heart and Circulatory Physiology. 314 (3): H508–H520. doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00534.2017. PMC 5899264. PMID 29167121.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Thijssen DH, Black MA, Pyke KE, et al. (2011). "Assessment of flow-mediated dilation in humans: a methodological and physiological guideline". American Journal of Physiology. 300 (1): H2–H12. doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00471.2010. PMC 3023245. PMID 20952670.
  4. ↑ Montero D, Padilla J, Diaz-Cañestro C, et al. (2014). "Flow-mediated dilation in athletes: influence of aging". Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 46 (11): 2148–2158. doi:10.1249/MSS.0000000000000341. PMID 24963792.
  5. ↑ Calderón-Gerstein WS, López-Peña A, Macha-Ramírez R, et al. (2017). "Endothelial dysfunction assessment by flow-mediated dilation in a high-altitude population". Vascular Health and Risk Management. 13: 421–426. doi:10.2147/VHRM.S151886. PMC 5701560. PMID 29200863.
  6. ↑ Messner B, Bernhard D (2014). "Smoking and cardiovascular disease: mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction and early atherogenesis". Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology. 34 (3): 509–515. doi:10.1161/ATVBAHA.113.300156. PMID 24554606.