Characterization of Brachial Arterial t-PA Release, Endothelial Function, Obesity and Inflammation (P1A3B)

Inclusion criteria:

1. Adults 18 years and greater
2. Healthy

Exclusion criteria:

1. PVC < 30
2. Hypertensive subjects on ACE inhibitors
3. Pregnant or nursing mothers
4. Diabetic with HbA1C > 7.5 or stigmata of end organ damage (neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, cardiomyopathy)
5. Cholesterol > 30 mg/dL above NCEP accepted level based on cardiac risk.
6. Triglycerides > 200
7. Previously diagnosed obstructive coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction or left ventricular dysfunction (with or without a history of congestive heart failure)
8. Renal insufficiency (Creatinine ≥ 1.5 mg/dl)
9. History of cerebrovascular disease
10. Any chronic inflammatory disease (rheumatologic, inflammatory bowel disease, etc)
11. Uncontrolled Stage 2 Hypertension (160/100 mmHg), or end organ damage due to hypertension (left ventricular hypertrophy, atrial fibrillation, hematuria, renal insufficiency, prior cerebrovascular disease).
12. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor use
13. Coagulopathy (INR ≥ 1.5, PTT ≥ 1.5 x control)
14. Other chronic medical illnesses at the discretion of the investigators