Nailfold microcirculation in normotensive and essential hypertensive subjects, as assessed by video-microscopy

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To compare morphological and hemodynamic parameters of skin microcirculation in the fingertip in patients with essential hypertension and normotensive control subjects. DESIGN: Consecutive sample of patients. METHODS: Digital capillary blood flow measurements under normal and cooled conditions were assessed by nailfold video capillaroscopy using the technique of flying spot. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in capillary density in hypertensive patients, compared with normotensive subjects. There was a correlation between capillary density and mean diastolic blood pressure. After local cooling the frequency of the blood flow stop was significantly higher in hypertensive patients. CONCLUSION: The finding of abnormal vasoconstriction in finger microcirculation in essential hypertension suggests a vasospastic tendency in the disease.