Abstrakt

Practicality and importance of selected endothelial dysfunction measurement techniques ? Review

Michael D Whitt

The measurement of endothelial dysfunction (ED) has importance in that it indicates the presence of coronary artery disease in addition to acting as a predictor of future adverse events. Various tools, methods, and metrics exist that can provide an indicator of endothelial dysfunction. Given the significance of ED, it is of utmost importance to find a measurement technique that is reliable, while defining a metric providing a framework for an overall system that is practical, accurate, and repeatable. Success would provide a tool for early detection of cardiovascular disease not only moving patients that are currently classified as asymptomatic to symptomatic but also providing a method to monitor efficacy of treatments.