Flow-mediated Dilatation (FMD)

Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is a test used to assess the health of blood vessels, specifically their ability to widen in response to increased blood flow. When blood flow increases, blood vessels normally relax and expand, allowing more blood to pass through. This process is influenced by the release of substances from the endothelium, the inner lining of the blood vessels. Measuring how well a blood vessel dilates can provide important information about cardiovascular health, as impaired FMD may indicate risks for conditions like atherosclerosis or hypertension.