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Semin Vasc Med 2003; 03(4): 355-362
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-815693
ETIOLOGY OF ACS

Copyright © 2003 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Endothelial Dysfunction as a Predictor of Acute Coronary Syndromes

Krishna Kathir, Mark  R. Adams
  • Department of Cardiology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Publication History

Publication Date:
03 February 2004 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Endothelial dysfunction is a key early event in atherogenesis and is integral in the onset of acute coronary syndromes. Disruption of the normal endothelial functions leads to loss of vasomotor control, reduced production of nitric oxide, formation of a procoagulant surface, and promotion of inflammation. These events may lead to destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques and the onset of acute coronary syndromes. There are several direct and indirect ways of assessing endothelial dysfunction in vivo. Several of these measures of endothelial dysfunction have been shown to correlate with increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

KEYWORDS

Endothelium - acute coronary syndrome - atherosclerosis

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