Reactive Hyperemia: Revisiting a Key Vascular Feature of Cardiorespiratory Fitness

Although flow-mediated dilation is a well-established marker of conduit artery endothelial function, it is not optimally suited to detect endurance exercise training-mediated vascular adaptations in healthy individuals. Herein, we evaluate reactive hyperemia, adding resistance-vessel and microvascular responses, as a physiological feature that more closely reflects the peripheral remodeling and physiological environment associated with cardiorespiratory fitness.