CV Profile

CLINICAL SERVICES >CARDIO-VASCULAR PROFILE

There has been intense research in the biology of blood Vessels, especially the vessels that carry oxygenated blood from the heart(arteries) to the various tissues of the body.

The purpose or main function of these arteries is to regulate the quantum of blood supplied to the various tissues or cells according to their need at that time. They do this by either expanding (carrying more blood) or contracting (reducing the blood flow)thereby delivering just the required amount to the tissues.

In 1982 Sir John Vane received the Nobel Prize for the discovery of Prostaglandins. Prostacyclin which relaxes the blood vessel making it expand was described. Subsequently many mediators or chemical messengers have been identified namely Histamine, Acetylcholine, Catecholamine, Bradykinin, Angiotensin etc.

Less than 15 years ago, a different and very powerful mediator of blood vessel relaxation(vasodilatation)was identified "Nitric Oxide". In addition to vasodilatation this "Nitric Oxide" a gas with a one to one combination of the two main elements of the air, Nitrogen and Oxygen was also found to inhibit Platelet clumping and clot formation.

“What secretes this Nitric Oxide”????

The Blood vessels are more than just passive pipes. The artery – has three layers: The Outer, Middle and Inner Layer.

The inner layer is formed by a single layer of cells called the Endothelium. It is these cells that secrete the various substances responsible for relaxing or contracting the arteries including Nitric Oxide. These substances then percolate into middle layer and signal the muscle present to either relax or contract. A normally functioning Endothelium is very significant to the health of the arteries and the individual in turn.

Healthy individuals produce sufficient Nitric Oxide in the blood vessels keeping them supple and flexible. The healthier you are, the more Nitric Oxide you make.

High blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, diabetes, smoking, lack of exercise and stress all reduce the production of Nitric Oxide causing endothelial dysfunction.

This endothelial dysfunction occurs in the entire arterial system and begins years before the build up of calcium and plaque in the coronary arteries (coronary artery disease) actually manifests. The CV profiler is designed to detect these early vascular changes. It is a repeatable, sensitive tool to study the endothelial function which instantaneously quantifies large and small artery
relaxation.

The CV profiler…..

• Helps to detect early the vascular disease ie. identify if the blood vessel elasticity is normal.

• If abnormal it grades the severity of the deterioration in the elasticity.

• Effectively measures vascular response to therapy like Diet alterations, cessation of smoking, regular exercises and medications.

• Provides rapid risk assessment in patients with Diabetes ,hypertension and Dyslipidemia.

• Simple, painless, non invasive 5 min procedure.