The present invention provides methods and apparatus for assessing a
patient's vascular health including endothelial function by monitoring
changes in hemodynamic parameters responsive to the introduction of a
vasostimulant. The invention provides a thermal energy measurement
apparatus including a thermal energy sensor adapted to measure
temperature of a body part while not substantially changing the
temperature of the body part, and a display or recorder coupled to the
thermal energy sensor, wherein the thermal energy sensor measures the
temperature of the body part before and subsequent to the provision of a
vasostimulant, and the display or recorder reports the temperature of the
body part prior to the provision of the stimulant and the temperature of
the body part after provision of the stimulant. Also provides are methods
and apparatus providing for a second thermal energy sensor on a
corresponding contralateral site to the site subject to the vasostimulant
and simultaneously monitoring and recording of temperature of the
contralateral site as a measure of neurovascular status and microvascular
reactivity.