Measuring FMD in the brachial artery: how important is QRS gating?

Recommendations for the measurement of brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD) typically suggest images be obtained at identical times in the cardiac cycle, usually end diastole (QRS complex onset). This recommendation presumes that inter-individual differences in arterial compliance are minimized. However, published evidence is conflicting.

Folic acid supplementation improves vascular function in amenorrheic runners.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if folic acid supplementation improves endothelial vascular function (brachial artery flow-mediated dilation; FMD) in amenorrheic runners.

Design: Prospective cross-sectional study.

Setting: Academic medical center in the Midwest.

Usefulness of two-dimensional strain echocardiography to predict segmental viability following acute myocardial infarction and optimization using bayesian logistic spatial modeling.

Viability assessment after acute myocardial infarction (MI) is important to guide revascularization. Two-dimensional strain echocardiography was shown to predict viability, but the method assumed that strain in each segment is independent of contiguous segments. The aim of this study was to test the hypotheses that segmental strain after MI is spatially correlated and that using a Bayesian approach improves the prediction of nonviable myocardium.

Benefit of low-fat over low-carbohydrate diet on endothelial health in obesity.

Obesity is associated with impaired endothelial-dependent flow-mediated dilation, a precursor to hypertension and atherosclerosis. Although dieting generally improves cardiovascular risk factors, the direct effect of different dietary strategies on vascular endothelial function is not known. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that a low-fat (LF) diet improves endothelial function compared with an isocaloric low-carbohydrate (LC) diet.

Athletic amenorrhea and endothelial dysfunction.

Objectives: To determine if menstrual status changed in amenorrheic college runners over a 2-year period and what effect this had on brachial artery flow-mediated dilation.

Participants: Eighteen athletes first studied in our laboratory 2 years prior were available for follow-up. Nine of the 10 original women with athletic amenorrhea (mean +/- SE, age 21.

The female athlete triad and cardiovascular dysfunction.

In the past 35 years, a significant increase has occurred in sports participation by women. An estimated 3 million girls and young women compete in American high school sports. Women who participate in sports and fitness programs are generally healthier and have higher self-esteem.

The influence of lipoproteins on whole-blood viscosity at multiple shear rates.

Whole-blood viscosity appears to be an independent predictor of stroke, carotid intima-media thickening, and carotid atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to examine for relationships between whole-blood viscosity and blood lipids in young healthy subjects over a range of shear rates. Twenty-seven healthy men and women aged 10 to 25 years having a range of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol values 88 to 258 mg/dL and body mass index z scores -1.

Influence of glycemic load on HDL cholesterol in youth.

Background: The influence of dietary carbohydrate glycemic index on blood lipids has not been well studied. Assessment of glycemic load is not usually included in a standard dietary analysis.

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to examine relations between diet and blood lipids in youth with a broad range of cholesterol values and carbohydrate, fat, and protein intakes.