Why is endothelial function important?
Endothelial dysfunction is regarded as an early step in the development of atherosclerosis. Endothelial dysfunction can be expressed by the impairment of endothelial-dependent vasodilation, mediated mostly by the loss of NO. Studies have shown that endothelial dysfunction is due to altered synthesis or release of nitric oxide. It is believed that circulating substances such as cholesterol act more or less directly to inhibit nitric oxide synthase or stimulate the production of oxidants that destroy nitric oxide as it is produced. The conditions that cause or are associated with endothelial dysfunction are all risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis which represents one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in the Western hemisphere. Studies over the past decade have shown that endothelial dysfunction long precedes the development of atherosclerosis and, in fact, frequently exists in healthy individuals at risk for the development of atherosclerosis. Research
