New Delhi: German researchers have developed a new non-invasive imaging technology that can scan the skin and detect early warning signs of cardiovascular disease, potentially enabling earlier diagnosis and personalised treatment.

The technology, known as fast Raster Scan Optoacoustic Mesoscopy (fast-RSOM), can capture high-resolution images of the smallest blood vessels beneath the skin. It identifies subtle changes in blood flow, oxygen levels and tissue composition that are not visible through conventional imaging methods.

Fast-RSOM can detect microvascular endothelial dysfunction (MiVED), a condition marked by reduced ability of tiny blood vessels to expand and contract — an early indicator of heart disease risk. Until now, clinicians lacked a precise, non-invasive method to measure these changes in humans.

Researchers from the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres said the technology offers a new way to identify cardiovascular risk at an early stage, allowing doctors to intervene sooner and tailor treatments more effectively.

The study, published in the journal Light: Science & Applications, shows that fast-RSOM provides dynamic, high-resolution biomarkers of microvascular function. These impairments often appear before clinical symptoms or measurable disease and are commonly linked to risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure and obesity.

Unlike traditional risk assessments based on medical history or lifestyle factors, fast-RSOM directly measures the physical impact of these conditions on the microvascular system, long before serious complications develop.

The technology also enables precise monitoring of lifestyle changes or medical therapies and could improve long-term cardiovascular health outcomes.

RSOM is a non-invasive imaging method that uses pulses of light to generate ultrasound signals, producing detailed three-dimensional images of structures beneath the skin.

IANS