What is endothelial dysfunction?
Endothelial dysfunction is a diagnosis that means that there is low levels of nitric oxide gas in the walls of blood vessels. This causes your arteries to narrow, causing angina or chest pain. This condition significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.
Early diagnosis is essential - lifestyle changes and medication can help manage symptoms, improve the patient's quality of life, and treat the condition.
Endothelial dysfunction occurs when the endothelium is damaged. It is a thin layer of cells that line the inside of blood vessels. Dysfunction means that the cells are not functioning properly.
Low levels of nitric oxide can lead to the following disorders:
- High blood pressure;
- Atherosclerosis;
- Blood clots.
The following symptoms are characteristic:
- Angina;
- Chest pain;
- Severe fatigue;
- Shortness of breath.
Risk factors for endothelial dysfunction include:
- Diabetes;
- Arterial hypertension;
- High blood sugar;
- High cholesterol;
- Metabolic syndrome;
- Tobacco use;
- Obesity;
- History of autoimmune disease.
Source:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23230-endothelial-dysfunction
