Roles of endothelial dysfunction in coronary artery disease

Endothelial dysfunction is an early and persistent vascular abnormality in the evolution of atherothrombotic disease. Risk factors for atherosclerosis promote an inflammatory oxidative environment in the vasculature that indu ces pathologic changes in endothelial function, including the support of en hanced smooth muscle tone, thrombosis, and smooth muscle proliferation, Thi s article provides an overview of the molecular basis of endothelial dysfun ction and of its diagnosis and treatment. (C) Lippincott Williams & Wilkins , Inc.