Why might reactive hyperemia be performed instead of treadmill testing?

Reactive hyperemia is often utilized in cases where patients are unable to stand or exercise due to physical limitations. This technique involves temporarily occluding blood flow and then measuring the subsequent response once blood flow is restored. In situations where treadmill testing is not possible, such as with patients who may have orthopedic issues, severe fatigue, or cardiovascular conditions that prevent them from engaging in physical exercise, reactive hyperemia provides an alternative method for assessing vascular function without requiring the patient to stand or exert themselves on a treadmill.

Although minimizing discomfort is sometimes a consideration in choosing tests, reactive hyperemia specifically addresses the inability of a patient to perform physical activities, making it a suitable method for individuals who cannot tolerate traditional stress testing. Assessing arterial compliance and the desire for quicker results, while relevant factors in different contexts, do not directly relate to the primary reason for selecting reactive hyperemia over treadmill testing.