Endothelial dysfunction is closely related to atherosclerosis and constitutes an intermediate step in the progression to adverse events throughout the natural history of coronary artery disease.
This review highlights the pathophysiological and prognostic role of endothelial dysfunction throughout the natural history of coronary artery disease.
The vascular endothelium regulates blood flow in response to physiological needs. Endothelial dysfunction is closely related to atherosclerosis and its risk factors, and it constitutes an intermediate step on the progression to adverse events throughout the natural history of coronary artery disease (CAD), often affecting clinical outcomes. Understanding the relation of endothelial function with CAD provides an important pathophysiological insight, which can be useful both in clinical and research management. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on endothelial dysfunction and its prognostic influence throughout the natural history of CAD, from early atherosclerosis to post-transplant management.
Gutiérrez et al. (2013) conducted a review in Coronary artery disease. Endothelial dysfunction is closely related to atherosclerosis and constitutes an intermediate step in the progression to adverse events throughout the natural history of coronary artery disease.