Assessment of endothelial dysfunction in acute coronary syndromes

Increased vasoconstriction, activation of platelet vessel wall interaction and invasion of monocytes into the subintima as well as vascular smooth mus cle cell proliferation play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of coron ary artery disease. Acute coronary syndromes such as myocardial infarction and unstable angina pectoris are characterized by plaque rupture or erosion , activation of platelets and the coagulation system and vasoconstriction. Endothelial dysfunction may be one of the underlying mechanisms linking cor onary artery disease and acute coronary syndromes. Both of these are often temporarily limited. Therefore, "non-invasive examination" of endothelial function by venous occ lusion plethysmography or high resolution ultrasound might be useful for mo nitoring high-risk patients.