Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate endothelial function by digital reactive hyperemia peripheral arterial tonometry (RH-PAT) in health evaluation and promotion.
Method: We studied 120 apparently healthy Japanese men (53±9 years) who visited the Health Care Center, Chunichi Hospital. No subject had any history of cardiovascular disease and were taking any medication. Endothelial function was assessed by digital RH-PAT, expressed as the reactive hyperemia index (RHI), utilizing Endo-PAT2000 (Itamar Medical, Caesarea). In addition to routine health examinations, we measured apolipoprotein B100, fasting insulin, and high-sensitive CRP levels.
Results: RH-PAT was successfully measured within 30 minutes in all subjects. The mean value of RHI was 1.76±0.41. RHI was inversely correlated with age, heart rate, hemoglobin A1c, apolipoprotein B100, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and non HDL cholesterol. Smoking history and fasting glucose levels showed modest but not significant negative correlations with RHI. In stepwise multiple regression analysis, age, LDL cholesterol and heart rate were found to be independent determinants of RHI.
Conclusions: Endothelial function evaluated by RH-PAT was related to risk factors of cardiovascular disease. RH-PAT may be a potential surrogate marker for initial stage of atherosclerosis.
