In both normotensive women and others with pregnancy induced hypertension, in previous research simultaneous tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) were measured in both forearms, with a blood pressure cuff above the tissue oximetry probe on one side.
StO2 values were continuously monitored on each side during unilateral blood pressure (BP) cuff inflation (to suprasystolic pressure for 3 min), and then during deflation. Despite similarity in the forearm StO2 decline observed with cuff inflation in all women, the rise following cuff deflation - indicative of reactive hyperemia - appeared reduced in hypertensive patients, suggesting a relationship with impaired endothelial reserve.
