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Endothelial dysfunction in patients with coronary atherosclerosis

L Chapidze1, S Kapanadze, N Dolidze

  • 1Emergency Cardiology Center, Tbilisi, Georgia.

Georgian Medical News
|March 1, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Endothelial dysfunction, indicated by abnormal plasma nitric oxide (NO) levels, is linked to coronary atherosclerosis. Lower NO concentrations correlate with more severe disease, suggesting NO measurement aids in managing atherosclerosis progression.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Endothelial dysfunction is an early, non-traditional risk factor in coronary atherosclerosis.
  • It plays a role in plaque initiation and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess endothelial function by measuring plasma nitric oxide (NO) concentrations in patients with coronary atherosclerosis.
  • To investigate the relationship between NO levels and the extent of coronary artery disease.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study design.
  • Plasma nitric oxide (NO) concentrations were measured in 157 patients with coronary atherosclerosis.
  • Comparison of NO levels between patients and healthy subjects.

Main Results:

  • Patients with coronary atherosclerosis had significantly lower mean plasma NO levels (11.1±2.52 μmol/L) compared to healthy subjects (22.3±3.27 μmol/L, p<0.01).
  • Only 17% of patients had normal NO levels; 59% had low and 24% had high levels.
  • A statistically significant negative correlation was found between plasma NO levels and the extent of coronary artery disease, with the lowest levels in patients with three-vessel disease.

Conclusions:

  • Plasma NO concentration measurement provides valuable information for cardiologists.
  • Modifying abnormal NO levels may help delay atherosclerotic progression and prevent recurrent coronary events.

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