Clinical impact of vasomotor function assessment and the role of ACE-inhibitors and statins

Folkert W. Asselbergs, Pim van der Harst, Gillian A. J. Jessurun, René A. Tio, Wiek H. van Gilst

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

39 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Impaired endothelial function is recognised as one of the earliest events of atherogenesis. Endothelium-dependent vasomotion has been the principal method to assess endothelial function. In this article, we will discuss the clinical value of the different techniques to evaluate endothelium-dependent vasomotion. To date, there seems not to be a simple and reliably endothelial function test to identify asymptomatic subjects at increased risk for cardiovascular disease in clinical practice. Recent studies indicate that pharmacological interventions, in particular with ACE-inhibitors and statins, might improve endothelial function. However, there is no solid evidence that improvement of endothelial function is a necessity for the observed reduction in cardiovascular events by these compounds. Overall, at this moment, there is no place in clinical practice for the use of endothelial function as a method for risk assessment or target of pharmacological interventions. © 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)125-140
JournalVascular Pharmacology
Volume42
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2005
Externally publishedYes

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