Endothelial dysfunction and vascular disease in later life

The endothelium plays a primary role in the modulation of vascular tone and structure, through production of the relaxing factor nitric oxide, which acts by protecting the vessel wall from the development of atherosclerosis and thrombosis. A dysfunctioning endothelium, characterized by reduced nitric oxide availability, can be a promoter of atherosclerosis. Ageing is a well-documented cardiovascular risk factor. One of the possible physiopathological mechanisms whereby increasing age may lead to cardiovascular damage is the promotion of endothelial dysfunction. In humans, age-related impairment in endothelium-dependent vasodilation has been well documented in different vascular districts and involves the impairment of nitric oxide activity secondary to oxidative stress generation. Regular physical training is an important non-pharmacological intervention which protects the vascular endothelium from ageing-related alterations and ameliorates the cardiovascular risk profile among the elderly population.