Gefäßweite

Gefäßweite refers to the diameter of a blood vessel. It is a critical factor in regulating blood flow and pressure within the circulatory system. The diameter of arteries, veins, and capillaries can change dynamically, a process known as vasodilation and vasoconstriction.

Vasodilation is the widening of blood vessels, which increases blood flow and can help lower blood pressure. This process is often triggered by substances like nitric oxide and can occur in response to factors such as increased body temperature or the need to deliver more oxygen to working muscles.

Conversely, vasoconstriction is the narrowing of blood vessels, which reduces blood flow and can increase blood pressure. This response is mediated by hormones like adrenaline and can occur during cold exposure or in situations of stress to redirect blood to vital organs.

The lumen, the internal space of a blood vessel, is where the lumen diameter is measured. This diameter can be influenced by various physiological and pathological conditions. For instance, atherosclerosis, a disease characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries, can lead to a reduction in Gefäßweite, impairing blood flow and increasing the risk of cardiovascular events. Monitoring and understanding Gefäßweite is therefore essential in diagnosing and managing a range of medical conditions.