  For Immediate Release, July 27, 2002 This simple new ultrasound procedure examines the interior layers of blood vessels that come into contact with the flow of blood, and it determines if the endothelial layer is functioning properly. The endothelium is like a "factory" in the human body, producing various factors, such as nitric oxide, which regulate the function of the blood vessels, the normal flow of blood, and consistency of the blood. When functioning properly, the endothelium secretes nitric oxide (NO), essential to the flow of blood and to maintenance of body organs. When endothelium function is compromised, the secretion level of nitric oxide is lowered, arteriosclerosis occurs, and eventually it leads to blockage of the blood vessels—and ultimately to coronary heart disease. Many factors, such as diabetes, smoking, obesity, hypertension, and age, affect endothelial function. Therefore, it is important to undergo early evaluation of endothelium function—evaluation that can offer early identification of malfunction, and with proper treatment prevent the development of coronary heart disease. When endothelium function is impaired, treatment of risk factors for heart disease improves function. For example, people with high cholesterol have impaired endothelium function. Medication with drugs from the Statin group (cholesterol reducing drugs) improves endothelial function within four weeks of initiation of treatment. Physical exercise also improves function. Dietary additives can be found on drugstore shelves today that supply NO and improve endothelial function. Dr. Michael Shechter performs this ultrasound evaluation in the Non-Invasive Procedure Unit at the Sheba Medical Center Heart Institute. The patient must arrive for evaluation on complete fast and should not have smoked or taken any medication for 12 hours prior to arrival for evaluation.
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