What is the endothelium?
The endothelium is the inner lining of blood vessels, allowing blood to flow smoothly within them and actively maintains physiological condition. Normal endothelial function protects blood vessels from formation of atherosclerosis, the cause of cardiovascular disease. The pathological state known as endothelial dysfunction is the earliest clinically detectable stage of cardiovascular disease (which includes heart attacks, stroke, Peripheral Arterial Disease and many other diseases). The functioning of the endothelial cells – endothelial function – is normally kept in balance. Atherosclerosis risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, smoking, aging, obesity, chronic infection, and inflammation, can all disrupt this balance and lead to endothelial dysfunction.
