MicroVascular Health Score

Other names: MVHS, GlycoCheck

By Healthmatters Editorial Team

Peer-reviewed sources

>=10 - Very High

A Very High MicroVascular Health Score on a GlycoCheck test panel indicates excellent health and functionality of the body's microvascular system. This score reflects the optimal state of the endothelial glycocalyx, a crucial structure lining the microvessels that plays a significant role in vascular permeability, blood flow regulation, and protection against inflammation and oxidative stress. High scores suggest that the microvessels are maintaining proper barrier function, supporting efficient nutrient and oxygen delivery to tissues, and effectively removing metabolic waste. It also implies a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, better overall circulatory health, and a likely absence of microvascular complications often associated with chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome. This score is a positive indicator of one's vascular health and overall well-being.

9 - Very High

8 - High

A high MicroVascular Health Score on a GlycoCheck test panel indicates excellent functioning and condition of the microvascular system, which comprises the smallest blood vessels, including capillaries, arterioles, and venules. This score suggests that the endothelial glycocalyx, a protective layer lining the blood vessels, is intact and healthy. A robust endothelial glycocalyx is crucial for maintaining vascular homeostasis, preventing inflammation, and facilitating efficient nutrient and oxygen exchange. Consequently, a high score is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, better overall vascular health, and improved tissue perfusion and organ function, reflecting the body's ability to sustain healthy microcirculation.

7 - High

6 - High Average

A High Average MicroVascular Health Score on a GlycoCheck test panel indicates that the microvascular system, which consists of the smallest blood vessels in the body including capillaries, arterioles, and venules, is functioning optimally. This score reflects good overall health of the endothelial glycocalyx, a protective layer lining the inside of blood vessels. A high score suggests effective blood flow and nutrient delivery to tissues, efficient waste removal, and lower risk of vascular-related issues such as hypertension, diabetes complications, and cardiovascular diseases. It also implies that the individual likely maintains a healthy lifestyle, including proper diet, regular exercise, and possibly effective management of any underlying health conditions, all of which contribute to maintaining microvascular health.

5 - Average

An Average MicroVascular Health Score on a GlycoCheck test panel is a metric that evaluates the overall health and functionality of the microvascular system, which consists of the smallest blood vessels in the body, including capillaries, arterioles, and venules. This score is derived from various parameters measured during the test, such as the density, integrity, and perfusion of these microvessels. A higher score indicates a healthier and more efficient microvascular network, which is crucial for adequate tissue perfusion and nutrient delivery, as well as waste removal. Conversely, a lower score may suggest compromised microvascular health, potentially leading to various health issues such as poor wound healing, increased cardiovascular risk, and reduced organ function. Therefore, the Average MicroVascular Health Score provides valuable insight into an individual's vascular health and can guide preventive or therapeutic strategies to improve overall health outcomes.

4 - Average

3 - Low Average

A Low Average MicroVascular Health Score on a GlycoCheck test panel indicates that the individual's microvascular system, which comprises the smallest blood vessels such as capillaries, is not functioning optimally. This score suggests that the endothelial glycocalyx, a protective lining of the blood vessels, may be compromised, leading to reduced efficiency in nutrient and oxygen delivery, waste removal, and overall microcirculation. Such a condition can be a marker for early-stage cardiovascular disease, increased risk of diabetes complications, and other health issues related to poor microvascular health. It emphasizes the need for further medical evaluation and possibly lifestyle or therapeutic interventions to improve vascular health and prevent potential progression to more serious conditions.

2 - Low

A low MicroVascular Health Score on a GlycoCheck test panel indicates compromised health of the endothelial glycocalyx, which is the protective lining of the microvascular blood vessels. The glycocalyx plays a crucial role in maintaining vascular integrity, regulating blood flow, and preventing the adhesion of harmful particles like cholesterol and white blood cells to the vessel walls. A low score suggests that the glycocalyx is damaged or thinned, which can lead to impaired microcirculation, increased vascular permeability, and heightened risk of cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, and other systemic health issues. This compromised state can be a result of various factors including poor diet, lack of exercise, chronic stress, and underlying health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Addressing a low MicroVascular Health Score often involves lifestyle modifications, targeted nutritional interventions, and medical therapies aimed at restoring glycocalyx health and improving overall vascular function.

1 - Low

0.0 - Very Low

A very low MicroVascular Health Score (MVHS) on a GlycoCheck test panel indicates compromised health and functionality of the microvascular system, which includes the smallest blood vessels like capillaries, arterioles, and venules. This suggests poor endothelial function, reduced capillary density, impaired blood flow, and oxygen delivery, which can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain, or slow wound healing. Additionally, it reflects a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, increased inflammation, oxidative stress, and potential organ damage, particularly in organs with high metabolic demands like the heart, kidneys, and brain. Addressing a low MVHS involves lifestyle changes such as improved diet, increased physical activity, stress management, and medical interventions to enhance endothelial function and overall vascular health. Regular monitoring and follow-up with a healthcare provider are essential for managing and improving microvascular health.

What is your MicroVascular Health Score™ and why do you need to know it?

A healthy microvascular system is crucial for providing nutrients and oxygen to all the cells in our body and removing waste products from our organs.

The Importance of Microvascular Health

Nutrients and oxygen enter the blood via the intestinal system and lungs, respectively, and are distributed to our organs through large arterial blood vessels. Within the organs, the delivery of these nutrients and oxygen occurs in the smallest blood vessels, known as microvessels, which are very close to individual tissue cells.

The GlycoCheck® system images these microvessels and measures several important parameters to determine the health of the microvascular system. Researchers and physicians can now quantify capillary density, capillary blood volume, blood flow, red cell velocity, and endothelial glycocalyx function using non-invasive technology.

A healthy microvascular system should have a sufficient number of microvessels to facilitate nutrient exchange to the tissue cells. To maintain this system and prevent the loss of microvessels, the inside of each microvessel is coated with a protective gel-lining called the glycocalyx. This coating prevents blood cells from sticking to the walls and fluid from leaking through the microvessels. The GlycoCheck® system measures how deep red blood cells can penetrate into the protective glycocalyx coating, which is reflected in the PBR (Perfused Boundary Region) value. A high PBR value indicates deeper penetration and more damage to the glycocalyx lining.

MicroVascular Health Score™ (MVHS)

The overall health of the microvascular system is represented by the MicroVascular Health Score™ (MVHS), calculated from capillary blood volume, recruitment capacity, and PBR. GlycoCheck® is the only automated imaging device that measures the health of microcirculation and produces an MVHS.

The microcirculation system, comprising small vessels, makes up 99% of the vascular system's contact surface area. This is where the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, hormones, and the removal of waste and carbon dioxide takes place. Current medical technology can only measure macrocirculation—arteries and veins—which represent only 1% of all circulation. As a result, your organs could be slowly starving without you even knowing it. It is estimated that over 80% of people of all ages are exposed to risks associated with the breakdown of the microvascular system due to factors like aging, genetics, obesity, stress, pollution, smoking, vaping, and many other risk factors.

Early Warning Signs of Poor Microcirculation

→ High Blood Pressure

→ Diabetes

→ Skin Problems

→ Slow Wound Healing

→ Hair Thinning

→ Fatigue

→ Memory Loss

→ Lack of Focus

→ Certain Eye Problems

→ Erectile Dysfunction

→ Severe PMS

→ Cold Hands and Feet

→ Leg Cramps

→ Hearing Loss

Serious Health Risks Linked to Poor Microcirculation

→ Diabetes

→ Hypertension

→ Heart Disease

→ Stroke

→ Kidney Disease

→ Dementia

→ Septic Shock

→ Inflammatory Disorders

→ Compromised Immunity

→ Cancer Metastasis

→ COVID-19

Maintaining Microvascular Health

It is important to maintain or adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and exercise. Talk to your doctor about your MicroVascular Health Score™ (MVHS) and discuss how this correlates with other tests being tracked for your health. Your doctor can provide options to improve your MVHS.

Maintaining good microvascular health can significantly enhance your overall well-being and reduce the risk of serious health issues.

References:

Eickhoff MK, Winther SA, Hansen TW, Diaz LJ, Persson F, Rossing P, Frimodt-Møller M. Assessment of the sublingual microcirculation with the GlycoCheck system: Reproducibility and examination conditions. PLoS One. 2020 Dec 23;15(12):e0243737. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243737. PMID: 33362252; PMCID: PMC7757800. [R]

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