Coronary endothelial function

Abstract

The assessment of coronary endothelial function has profound importance in terms of diagnostic and prognostic significance in patients with both obstructive and non-obstructive coronary artery disease. Endothelial dysfunction may take place in both epicardial coronary arteries as well as in the coronary microcirculation. Epicardial coronary endothelial dysfunction can be detected in the catheterization laboratory with abnormal vascular responses to endothelial-dependent physiological or pharmacological stimuli, and is characteristically a precursor to the initial processes of atherosclerotic coronary disease. This chapter discusses coronary endothelial physiology, the prevalence of endothelial dysfunction, how to evaluate coronary endothelial function, and the prognosis for patients with endothelial dysfunction.