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Updated: Jun 26, 2025

Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial Function: A Technical Guideline of the Flow-mediated Dilation Test
Published on: April 27, 2016
Endothelial Dysfunction in Heart Failure: What Is Its Role?
Andrea Drera1, Luca Rodella1, Elisa Brangi1
1Institute of Cardiology, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
Abstract:
The endothelium is a continuous layer of cells that coats the interior walls of arteries, capillaries, and veins. It has an essential regulatory role in hemostatic function, vascular tone, inflammation, and platelet activity. Endothelial dysfunction is characterized by a shift to a proinflammatory and prothrombic state, and it could have a bidirectional relationship with heart failure (HF). Due to neurohormonal activation and shear stress, HFrEF may promote endothelial dysfunction, increase ROS synthesis, and reduce nitric oxide production. Different studies have also shown that endothelium function is damaged in HFpEF because of a systemic inflammatory state. Some clinical trials suggest that drugs that have an effect on endothelial dysfunction in patients with HF or cardiovascular disease may be a therapeutic option. The aim of this review is to highlight the pathogenetic correlation between endothelial dysfunction and heart failure and the related potential therapeutic options.
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