Role of Oxygen for Vascular Dysfunction
Role of Oxygen for Vascular Dysfunction
Hypoxemia may contribute increased morbidity and mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary
 disease (COPD) patients. We aim to characterize the role of acute and chronic hypoxemia for
 vascular function. For this purpose we measure capillary oxygen concentration and vascular.

 Vascular function is assessed by flow-mediated dilation oft he brachial artery, forearm blood
 flow and laser doppler perfusion imaging.

 We hypothesize that hypoxemia leads to impaired vascular function.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  stable coronary artery disease

 -  stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  acute myocardial infarction within 30 days

 -  acute exacerbated COPD within 30 days

 -  acute infections

 -  severe acute or chronic renal failure

 -  severe heart failure

 -  atrial fibrillation

 -  severe cardiac arrhythmia

 -  hypotension

 -  active malignant disease

 -  active rheumatic disease

 -  pulmonary hypertension with vasoactive therapy