Endothelial dysfunction in arterial hypertension

Systemic arterial pressure is a dynamic and reactive physiological paramete r depending on a great many factors. The endothelial cells of the vascular system are responsible for many biochemical reactions maintaining vascular homeostasis and therefore arterial pressure. Arterial hypertension, atheros clerosis and endothelial dysfunction constitute risk factors increasing mor bidity and mortality of cardiovascular origin. These three elements are clo sely related and frequently act simultaneously damaging different organs. I n this paper we review the physiology of the endothelium and the probable c onsequences of endothelial dysfunction on the pathophysiology of arterial p ressure.