Cholesterol, endothelial function and cardiovascular disease.
Hypercholesterolaemia is associated with endothelial dysfunction and increased risk of atheromatous disease. Although endothelial dysfunction has been demonstrated early in the course of the disease process, it remains difficult to establish a causal relationship. Despite this, endothelial function has been used as a surrogate marker in small trials to identify and assess the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions to reduce cardiovascular mortality, before large scale clinical trials are undertaken. Recently, arterial stiffness has emerged as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and may provide a link between hypercholesterolaemia, endothelial dysfunction, hypertension and stroke.
Wilkinson
I B
IB
Clinical Pharmacology Unit and Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, UK.
Cockcroft
J R
JR
D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001120:Arginine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005395:Fish Oils / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D012307:Risk Factors
D000975:Antioxidants; D005395:Fish Oils; D001120:Arginine; D002784:Cholesterol