Endothelial dysfunction

Endothelial dysfunction is impaired activity of the cells lining blood vessels, disrupting control of vessel tone, inflammation, and clotting.

Nitric oxide: Nitric oxide is a short-lived signaling molecule that relaxes smooth muscle and regulates blood flow. Reduced endothelial nitric oxide availability is a central cause of impaired vessel relaxation.
Flow-mediated dilation: Flow-mediated dilation is an ultrasound measure of artery widening after increased blood flow. It tests the nitric-oxide-dependent vasodilatory response in a peripheral artery.
Endothelium: The endothelium is the thin layer of cells lining the interior surface of blood vessels and the heart. Endothelial dysfunction is a failure of this vessel-lining tissue's regulatory functions.
Endothelial dysfunction in diabetes: Endothelial dysfunction in diabetes is vascular impairment associated with chronic hyperglycemia and metabolic abnormalities. It is a defined setting in which metabolic injury disrupts endothelial regulation.
Endothelium-dependent vasodilation: Endothelium-dependent vasodilation is the widening of blood vessels triggered by signals from endothelial cells. Its impairment provides a functional measure of endothelial signaling.
Brachial artery: The brachial artery is a major upper-arm artery that supplies blood to the forearm and hand. Its accessible location makes it a common site for noninvasive endothelial testing.
Vascular smooth muscle: Vascular smooth muscle is the contractile tissue in blood vessel walls that controls vessel diameter. Endothelial signals regulate its contraction and relaxation.
Microvascular endothelial dysfunction: Microvascular endothelial dysfunction is impaired regulation in the endothelial lining of small vessels and capillaries. It localizes dysfunction to the small-vessel circulation rather than large arteries.
Endothelin: Endothelin is a peptide produced by endothelial cells that strongly constricts blood vessels. Excess endothelin can shift vascular tone toward constriction when endothelial regulation is impaired.
Coronary artery disease: Coronary artery disease is narrowing or blockage of arteries supplying the heart, usually from atherosclerotic plaque. Coronary endothelial dysfunction can precede or accompany plaque-related disease.

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