THE ROLE OF ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION IN CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Abstract

The vascular endothelium is a living, active cell layer that lines the interior surface of blood vessels and is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health. Far more than just a physical barrier, these cells manage blood vessel diameter, control blood flow, regulate clotting, influence inflammation, and direct cell adhesion. When endothelial function deteriorates—a condition known as endothelial dysfunction—the result is diminished vasodilation, heightened oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and a blood environment prone to clotting. This dysfunctional state is now understood as one of the earliest detectable signs leading to cardiovascular disease. This paper reviews the normal biology of the endothelium, the pathways that lead to its dysfunction, how this contributes to major heart and vessel disorders, and human research confirming its clinical importance.