Impact of Blood Pressure Cuff Inflation Rates on Flow-Mediated Dilatation and Contralateral Arm Response

Authors

Hsin-Fu Lin, University of Texas at AustinFollow
Mandeep Dhindsa, University of Texas at Austin
Takashi Tarumi, University of Texas at Austin
Steven Miles, University of Texas at Austin
Daniel Umpierre, University of Texas at Austin
Hirofumi Tanaka, University of Texas at Austin

Abstract

Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) is widely used as an index of nitric oxide-mediated vasodilator function, yet its methodology has not been well established. Previous research indicates that rapid inflations of a blood pressure cuff evoke systemic vasoconstriction as it was observed on non-occluded contralateral arm. This would potentially contribute to the well-known variability of FMD readings and could complicate the emerging evidence that non-occluded contralateral arm responses during the FMD procedure is associated with the presence of coronary artery disease. Purpose: To test the hypotheses that fast inflation of a blood pressure cuff could reduce FMD values and influence contralateral vasodilatory states. Method: Thirty-three apparently healthy adults (18 males and 15 females, 29±6 years) were studied in two randomized FMD trials. The blood flow-occluding cuff was inflated fast (<1s with a Hokanson rapid cuff inflation>device) in one trial or slow (over a period of 10s) in the other during the FMD procedure. Arterial diameter, fingertip temperature, and infrared thermal images were obtained throughout each session. Results: FMD values were not different between the fast and slow cuff inflation trials (5.9±0.6% vs. 5.9±0.4%). There were no differences in fingertip temperature rebound between the trials (1.8±0.3 vs. 1.9±0.3oC). The infrared thermal imaging revealed greater reductions in hand and finger temperature as well as more variable responses in the contralateral arm when the cuff was inflated more rapidly. Conclusion: Rates to inflate a blood pressure cuff do not appear to affect FMD readings although a fast cuff occlusion would evoke greater neurovascular changes in the non-occluded contralateral arm.

Recommended Citation

Lin, Hsin-Fu; Dhindsa, Mandeep; Tarumi, Takashi; Miles, Steven; Umpierre, Daniel; and Tanaka, Hirofumi (2010) "Impact of Blood Pressure Cuff Inflation Rates on Flow-Mediated Dilatation and Contralateral Arm Response," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2: Iss. 2, Article 29.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss2/29