Endothelial function

endothelial function

Endothelial function refers to how well the inner lining of blood vessels, called the endothelium, works. This thin layer of cells has many jobs: it controls when vessels widen or narrow, helps prevent blood clots, shields vessel walls from damage, and communicates with the immune system. A key part of its job is making chemicals like nitric oxide that tell smooth muscle in the vessel wall to relax so blood can flow smoothly. When the endothelium works well, blood moves efficiently and tissues get the oxygen and nutrients they need. When endothelial function is poor, vessels may stay narrowed, clotting risk can increase, and inflammation may damage arteries over time, raising the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other diseases. Factors that harm this lining include smoking, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, obesity, and lack of exercise. Doctors can assess endothelial function with special tests and use that information to guide prevention and treatment. Improving it involves lifestyle changes like eating a balanced diet, staying active, managing weight and blood sugar, and avoiding tobacco, and some medications also help restore healthy signaling. Because the endothelium plays a central role in circulation and organ health, keeping it healthy is a powerful way to reduce many common diseases. Learning about endothelial function shows how small cells on vessel walls have a big influence on whole-body health.