How long is cuff occlusion?
A18. Traditionally, reactive hyperemia tests have been performed using a 5-minute protocol because flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery has been found to plateau after 5 minutes cuff occlusion. However, our preliminary studies have shown that fingertip temperature rebound after a shorter period of cuff occlusion (as short as 2 minutes) can distinguish individuals with increased cardiovascular risk (higher Framingham Risk Score, higher coronary calcium score, abnormal myocardial perfusion, and obstructive coronary artery disease). Note that observed temperature rebound values will be higher with 2 minute cuff occlusion than with 5 minute occlusion, simply because the fingertip temperature will fall further during a longer period of cuff occlusion. It is recommended that VENDYS users choose and utilize a consistent duration of cuff occlusion if they wish to compare TR values.
