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.