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. 2023 Sep;38(9):2973-2985.
doi: 10.1007/s00467-022-05802-z. Epub 2022 Nov 21.

Endothelial dysfunction as a factor leading to arterial hypertension

Dorota Drożdż  1 , Monika Drożdż  2 , Małgorzata Wójcik  3
Affiliations

Endothelial dysfunction as a factor leading to arterial hypertension

Dorota Drożdż et al. Pediatr Nephrol. 2023 Sep.

Abstract

Hypertension remains the main cause of cardiovascular complications leading to increased mortality. The discoveries of recent years underline the important role of endothelial dysfunction (ED) in initiating the development of arterial hypertension. The endothelium lines the interior of the entire vascular system in the body and acts as a physical barrier between blood and tissues. Substances and mediators produced by the endothelium exhibit antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Oxidative stress and inflammation are conditions that damage the endothelium and shift endothelial function from vasoprotective to vasoconstrictive, prothrombotic, and pro-apoptotic functions. A dysfunctional endothelium contributes to the development of hypertension and further cardiovascular complications. Reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability plays an essential role in the pathophysiology of ED-associated hypertension. New technologies provide tools to identify pathological changes in the structure and function of the endothelium. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) contributes to the development of arterial hypertension and should be considered in therapeutic strategies for children with hypertension.

Keywords: Cardiovascular risk; Children; Endothelial dysfunction; Hypertension.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Key mechanisms leading to damage to the blood vessel wall
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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