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Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Non-invasive Assessment of Microvascular and Endothelial Function
05:41

Non-invasive Assessment of Microvascular and Endothelial Function

Published on: January 29, 2013

Vascular endothelial function and hypertension: insights and directions

Kodlipet Dharmashankar1, Michael E Widlansky

  • 1Medical College of Wisconsin, 9200 West Wisconsin Avenue, FEC Suite E5100, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.

Current Hypertension Reports
|September 22, 2010
PubMed

Insights

High blood pressure (hypertension) and endothelial dysfunction are closely linked, contributing to cardiovascular disease. Understanding their connection may lead to new treatments beyond blood pressure reduction.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Vascular Biology
  • Hypertension Research

Background:

  • Hypertension is a major global cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
  • Endothelial dysfunction is an early alteration in vascular endothelium, predicting cardiovascular events and risk.
  • The interplay between hypertension and endothelial dysfunction is complex and significant.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent findings on the mechanisms linking hypertension and endothelial dysfunction.
  • To explore the interrelationship between hypertension and endothelial dysfunction.
  • To examine how antihypertensive therapies improve vascular homeostasis beyond blood pressure reduction.

Main Methods:

  • This is a review article, synthesizing current evidence.
  • Focuses on pathophysiologic mechanisms.
  • Analyzes findings related to antihypertensive therapy efficacy.

Main Results:

  • Hypertension and endothelial dysfunction share intricate pathophysiologic mechanisms.
  • Endothelial dysfunction is a precursor to adverse cardiovascular events.
  • Antihypertensive therapies may offer benefits beyond lowering blood pressure.

Conclusions:

  • Hypertension and endothelial dysfunction are fundamentally interconnected.
  • Further research is needed to identify key links for novel interventions.
  • Targeting the hypertension-endothelial dysfunction axis could yield new therapeutic strategies.

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