Evaluation of Brachial Artery Endothelial Function in Early-Stage Essential Hypertension

Objective To explore endothelial cell function in early stage essential hypertension. Methods Diameter and peak velocity of brachial artery of 46 patients with early stage essential hypertension and 46 age gender matched normal control subjects were measured by high resolution ultrasonography at basal and hyperemic condition 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 in normal control subjects. There was no significant difference between changes in the two groups in response to nitroglycerin. Conclusion Endothelial function impairment of brachial artery appears in early stage essential hypertension and can be detected by high resolution ultrasonography.