Microvascular function

Microvascular function encompasses the set of physiological activities carried out by the small blood vessels (arterioles, capillaries, and venules) throughout the body[1][8][9]. These microvessels regulate tissue perfusion, nutrient and gas exchange, waste removal, and are central to local and systemic blood pressure regulation. Microvascular function is dynamically modulated by endothelial health, vascular smooth muscle tone, neurohormonal signals, local metabolic needs, and circulating mediators. Impaired microvascular function ("microvascular dysfunction") is a pathophysiological feature of many cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic diseases, often linked to endothelial dysfunction and vascular inflammation. Because "microvascular function" describes a physiological process rather than a single protein, receptor, or gene, it is not itself a druggable target but rather an outcome or biomarker related to the collective function of the microvasculature[1][4][9][10].

Other names

microvascular reactivitymicrovascular responsivenessmicrovascular activitymicrovascular healthmicrovascular dysfunction