Evaluation of brachial artery endothel ial function in early-stage hypertension

Objective:To explore endothelial function in early-stage hypertension.Methods:Diameter and peak velocity of hrachial artery of 40 patients with early-stage hypertension and 40 age-gender-matched normal control subjects were measured by high resolution uhrasonography at basal and hyperemic condi- tion and after taking nitroglycerin.Results:The increased percentage of the brachial artery diameter and peak velocity at hyperemic condition was lower in patients with hypertension than that in normal control subjects.There was no significant difference between changes in the two groups in response to nitroglycer- in.Conclusion:Endothelial function impairment of brachial artery appears in early-stage hypertension and can be detected by high resolution ultrasonography.