The role of microcirculation in hypertension and its assessment based on skin microvasculature function testing

Abstract

Dysfunction of microcirculation play a key role in the pathophysiology of many diseases. Microvascular changes were also observed in hypertension. Arteriolar remodeling and rarefaction contribute to increase of vascular resistance in hypertensive subjects. However, microvascular effects may be modified by vasomotion, which cause flow fluctuations. Analysis of the flowmotion may serve an additional diagnostic landmark in hypertension. The study of microcirculation function can be performed in humans using laser Doppler flowmetry of the skin. The method provides assesment of postocclusive, acetylcholine iontophoresis, local thermal hyperemia and also flowmotion. The laser Doppler tests may be clinically useful for the global assessment of microvascular function.
Arterial Hypertension 2010, vol. 14, no 5, pages 395-410.