Review
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World J Cardiol. Aug 26, 2014; 6(8): 824-835
Published online Aug 26, 2014. doi: 10.4330/wjc.v6.i8.824
Is reversal of endothelial dysfunction still an attractive target in modern cardiology?
Ify Mordi, Nikolaos Tzemos
Ify Mordi, Nikolaos Tzemos, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, British Heart Foundation Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Glasgow G12 8TA, United Kingdom
Author contributions: Mordi I and Tzemos N were sole contributors to this paper.
Correspondence to: Dr. Nikolaos Tzemos, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, British Heart Foundation Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, 126 University Place, Glasgow G12 8TA, United Kingdom. niko.tzemos@glasgow.ac.uk
Telephone: +44-141-3302079 Fax: +44-141-3306697
Received: December 3, 2013
Revised: April 17, 2014
Accepted: May 28, 2014
Published online: August 26, 2014
Processing time: 288 Days and 9.1 Hours
Core Tip

Core tip: There is an abundance of evidence suggesting that endothelial dysfunction is present throughout a wide spectrum of cardiovascular disease and is an independent indicator of adverse prognosis. Despite this, perhaps due to lack of standardisation of investigative techniques, endothelial function assessment is not yet routinely undertaken, despite a number of therapies which have been shown to have beneficial effects on the endothelium. More studies are required to judge whether assessment of endothelial function can impact on clinical management and prognosis.