Objective: Non-invasive methods that measure the arterial stiffness and wave reflection have recently been used for assessing the endothelial dysfunction. Despite this fact, Complior method, which can study the relation between nitric oxide (NO) and pulse wave velocity as a measure of arterial stiffness, is not currently used. Our study evaluates the potential of Complior technique for a global assessing of the endothelial dysfunction.
Material and methods: Endothelial dysfunction was prospectively studied before and after 6 and 12 months of antihypertensive treatment in 92 hypertensive patients, strictly selected and 50 matched normotensives. The studied parameters were pulse wave velocity (PWV) and its variation under pharmacodynamic stimulation. NO-dependent/ independent vasodilatation were assessed with 400 microg Ventolin spray (deltaPWV% = BR) and 0.5 mg sublingual NTG (deltaPWV% = NR1), respectively.
Results: 1. The endothelial dysfunction has a large interindividual variability, irrespective the blood pressure values. 2. The endothelial dysfunction is a heterogenous condition, being more affected in peripheral arterial territory and in NO-dependent component. 3. Therapeutic effect depends on vascular structure and antihypertensive regimen. ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers have complementary intervention, so the combination can be useful for a better therapeutic control of the endothelial dysfunction.
Conclusion: Complior is a very useful method for studying the complex profile of endothelial dysfunction and can complete the vascular ultrasound data for peripheral arterial site.