Evaluating endothelial function in humans: a guide to invasive and non-invasive techniques

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Abstract
Several prospective and retrospective studies have shown that evaluation of endothelial function may be useful in identifying subjects at high risk for atherosclerosis, as well as for risk stratification of patients with already established coronary artery disease.2w1 Several invasive and non-invasive techniques have been developed during the last few years to evaluate endothelial function. Invasive techniques, which involve intracoronary or intrabrachial infusions of vasoacting agents, are still considered to be the gold standard for early detection of endothelial dysfunction. In addition, several non-invasive techniques have been developed, with comparable results and good reproducibility. In this article we describe and evaluate the different methods for assessing endothelial function in humans.