VASCULAR ENDOTHELIUM. WHAT IS THIS? WHAT IS ITS ROLE AND WHAT IS ENDOTHELIUM DYSFUNCTION?

The endothelium is a single layer of cells lining the inner surface of blood vessels. Endothelial cells perform many vascular functions, including vasoconstriction and dilation, to control blood pressure. All cardiovascular risk factors (hypercholesterolemia, arterial hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance, smoking, age, excess weight, sedentary lifestyle, chronic inflammation and others) lead to dysfunction of endothelial cells.