Endothelial dysfunction in arterial hypertension.
Systemic arterial pressure is a dynamic and reactive physiological parameter 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, atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction constitute risk factors increasing morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular origin. These three elements are closely related and frequently act simultaneously damaging different organs. In this paper we review the physiology of the endothelium and the probable consequences of endothelial dysfunction on the pathophysiology of arterial pressure.
Contreras
F
F
School of Medicine, Universidad Central de Venezuela.
Rivera
M
M
Vásquez
J
J
De la Parte
M A
MA
Velasco
M
M
D001158:Arteries / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D001920:Bradykinin / Q000378:metabolism; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism*; D011464:Epoprostenol / Q000378:metabolism; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000502:physiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D014661:Vasoconstriction / Q000502:physiology
D006133:Growth Substances; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D011464:Epoprostenol; D001920:Bradykinin