Table 1 The characteristics of tests to evaluate the peripheral endothelial function
FMD | PAT | Strain-gauge plethysmography | |
|---|---|---|---|
Vascular system | Large conduit arteries (brachial artery) | Small (digital) arteries Microcirculation (fingertip) | Small arteries Microcirculation (in whole forearm) |
Method | Ultrasound | Plethysmography | Plethysmography |
Evaluation | Incremental diameter of an artery in response to RH | Pulse volume amplitude in response to RH | Incremental volume in response to local agonist (ACh, SNP) |
NO dependent | NO dependent | NO independent | |
Advantage | Repeatable Short test time Plentiful evidence (association with the CV prognosis) | Repeatable Short test time | Accurate Plentiful evidence (association with the CV prognosis) |
Disadvantage | Requires training | Few studies on the correlation with the CV prognosis | Invasive |
