How Healthy is your Cardiovascular System?  How flexible Are Your Arteries?

Abnormal blood flow in your fingertip can be easily measured using a relatively new testing procedure known as reactive hyperemia peripheral arterial tonometry (RH-PAT).  The test is noninvasive and has been proven to be a useful screening tool for cardiovascular disease.  Research from the Mayo Clinic indicates that RH-PAT is able to spot early coronary atherosclerosis. It is the only FDA approved device indicated for noninvasive assessment for cardiovascular disease and endothelial dysfunction.  This simple procedure also measures the stiffness of your arteries.

Heart disease is not isolated to the heart. Heart disease is a systemic disease due to abnormalities in the blood vessel and its innermost lining known as the endothelium.  The endothelium is made up of over one trillion cells and is the largest organ in our body.  It has a surface area of about six tennis courts and weighs about the size of the liver. The endothelium is where cardiovascular disease starts and progresses. 

"The presence of endothelial dysfunction in coronary or peripheral vessels constitutes an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. Since endothelial dysfunction is not confined to the coronary arteries, less invasive techniques for the assessment of peripheral vascular endothelial function have been developed. RH-PAT is a noninvasive tool to identify patients during early stages of coronary artery disease". Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2004.


RH-PAT testing is available at this clinic.  The test takes about a half-hour.  No fasting is required.  Schedule an appointment today to know the about the health of one of your most vital organ systems.

Peripheral Arterial Tonometry Procedure

• If you have latex allergy, you might not be able to do the test.  Be sure to talk to a member of the staff if you do have latex allergy.
• Come to office 15-20 minutes early to acclimatize to the office temperature after being outside.
• The actual test procedure takes about 20-25 minutes.
• Avoid tight clothing and sleeves.
• You will have to remove watches and rings.  Perhaps leave them at home or in your car to keep them safe.
• Go to restroom before the test starts.
• Do not wash your hands in cold or warm water 30 minutes prior to the test.
• During the procedure your nondominant arm will have a blood pressure cup applied with sufficient pressure to temporarily occlude the circulation in your arm for five minutes. This can be uncomfortable, but is harmless.  You might feel strange sensations during and right after the occlusion. Slight bruising is possible.
• You will have to refrain from talking during the procedure when asked to be silent.
• You should be as relaxed as possible during the test. Most people fall asleep.

Results will be available right after procedure is completed.