Endothelial function as a therapeutic target in coronary artery disease.
In healthy individuals, endothelial cells regulate a host of functions including vasomotor tone, thrombosis/ fibrinolysis, and cell-cell interactions. The development of endothelial dysfunction may be a common pathway by which cardiovascular risk factors impact plaque formation, growth, and rupture. Many pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions known to decrease cardiovascular risk also improve endothelial function. For these reasons, some have suggested that improvement in endothelial function may be an important therapeutic target in the treatment of coronary artery disease.
Sharma
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Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9034, USA.
Andrews
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TC
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003326:Coronary Circulation; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D012307:Risk Factors; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000502:physiology
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D008055:Lipids