Role of endothelial dysfunction in cardiovascular system pathology

The literature review focuses on the role of endothelial dysfunction in cardiovascular diseases: hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, and chronic heart failure. The purpose of the review is to determine the role of endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of these diseases. The endothelium is considered as a single paracrine organ distributed over the entire surface of the human body. Endothelium functioning under physiological conditions and factors affecting its functioning are analyzed. The production of multidirectional mediators (including nitric oxide) by endothelial cells and their functions is revealed. Nitric oxide is presented as a universal key angioprotective factor and an anti-atherosclerotic agent. The crucial role of the hemodynamic factor in the production of nitric oxide in the initial stages of hypertension is revealed. The process of nitric oxide synthesis, intermediate substance formation and their effect on the vessels is described...