VENDYS (pronounced VEN-diss) is a noninvasive diagnostic device used to measure vascular reactivity for early detection of cardiovascular disease and monitoring response to therapy.
Click here to watch a video of Dr. Rob giving a demonstration of the VENDYS machine.
How does VENDYS work?
The VENDYS® test begins with an automated blood pressure measurement, followed by cuff occlusion of the right arm. During the cuff occlusion (2 to 5 minutes), fingertip temperature in the right hand falls because of the absence of warm circulating blood. Once the cuff is released, blood flow rushes into the forearm and hand, causing a temperature rebound (TR) in the fingertip, which is directly proportional to the vascular reactivity.
Why get tested?
Because prevention is the best treatment! Cardiovascular disease develops over many years and if undetected can have life-threatening consequences. Initially it is a silent process, often called subclinical atherosclerosis. VENDYS testing provides you with a quick and easy way of determining if you are heading down a road towards heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.
Vascular dysfunction is considered to be the earliest clinically detectable stage of subclinical atherosclerosis. Unlike atherosclerosis, vascular dysfunction is reversible (with proper treatment).
What is the endothelium?
The endothelium is the inner lining of blood vessels, allowing blood to flow smoothly within them and actively maintaining physiological condition. Normal vascular function protects blood vessels from formation of atherosclerosis, a cause of cardiovascular disease.
What is vascular dysfunction?
The pathological state known as vascular dysfunction is the earliest clinically detectable stage of cardiovascular disease (which includes heart attacks, stroke, Peripheral Arterial Disease and many other diseases).
What will happen if it turns out that I have vascular dysfunction?
Dr. Rob will evaluate the overall state of your health and discuss with you the most appropriate treatment options to improve your vascular function. These will usually include lifestyle modification measures (e.g. diet, food supplements, exercising), strict control of risk factors (e.g. quitting smoking), and supplement or prescription drug treatment. In some cases you will need to undergo more frequent monitoring and/or further testing of the cardiovascular system. Remember – prevention is the best treatment!
