Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving measurements of cardiovascular health status in a given individual are provided. The comprehensive assessment of cardiovascular health includes at least two components: risk factor assessment based on epidemiologic studies and functional status of the individual. Structural studies of the individual can also be included in the comprehensive assessment of cardiovascular health. The invention aims to improve detection, treatment, devices, and administration of cardiovascular risk assessment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to assessing and measuring vascular and endothelial function. A vasostimulant is provided to a patient to stimulate hemodynamic activity in a selected extremity and vascular function is assessed by monitoring a change in a blood flow, skin temperature and/or blood oxygen content at the selected extremity and assessing the patient's vascular function based upon the monitoring.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining individual responses to induced and actual mental stress and for identifying individuals susceptible to detrimental effects of mental stress on the cardiovascular system. The subjects may be at risk for chronic effects of mental stress by virtue of synergistic effects of mental stress and cardiovascular (CV) disease risk factors) or may be at risk, or vulnerable to, acute effects of mental stress by virtue of synergistic effects of mental stress and underlying hidden coronary atherosclerosis. The invention further provides methods and apparatus for assessing vascular reactivity in individuals under ambulatory conditions and relating mental stress responses to vascular reactivity.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for assessing the risk of an acute cardiovascular event that includes providing an endothelial or vascular function test to identify higher risk from lower risk individuals in a population of symptomatic individuals presenting with chest pain that have inconclusive results in ECG and cardiovascular marker tests, such as a tropinin test, and are administered for triage in hospital and additional tests such as ECG exercise and nuclear stress tests. The invention further provides methods and apparatus for assessing the vascular status and response of patients in clinical trials for cardiovascular therapies.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for comprehensive assessment of vascular health is provided including functional status of the individual, risk factor assessment based on epidemiologic studies, and structural studies of the individual. Functional assessment in accordance with an embodiment of the invention includes generation of information on the status of three compartments: the microvasculature, the macrovasculature and the neurovasculature.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for assessing a patient's vascular health including endothelial function by monitoring changes in hemodynamic parameters responsive to the introduction of a vasostimulant. The invention provides a thermal energy measurement apparatus including a thermal energy sensor adapted to measure temperature of a body part while not substantially changing the temperature of the body part, and a display or recorder coupled to the thermal energy sensor, wherein the thermal energy sensor measures the temperature of the body part before and subsequent to the provision of a vasostimulant, and the display or recorder reports the temperature of the body part prior to the provision of the stimulant and the temperature of the body part after provision of the stimulant.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for identifying and minimizing neurovascular contributions to determinations of endothelial function, including by digital temperature monitoring such that an accurate status of vascular reactivity can be obtained. Methods are also provided for identifying individuals having increased sympathetic nervous system activity impacting peripheral vascular function as well as for determining a status of diabetic foot.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining individual vascular responses by employing iontophoresis to deliver vasoactive compounds to local area and determining resultant changes in blood flow by measuring changes in skin temperature as a correlate of local blood flow. The invention further provides methods and apparatus for assessing vascular reactivity in individuals under ambulatory conditions and relating stress responses to vascular reactivity.