The effect of exercise training on endothelial function in cardiovascular disease in humans

Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2004 Oct;32(4):129-34. doi: 10.1097/00003677-200410000-00002.

Abstract

Endothelial dysfunction occurs early in atherosclerosis in response to cardiovascular risk factors. The occurrence of endothelial dysfunction is primarily the result of reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailabilty. It represents an independent predictor of cardiovascular events and predicts the prognosis of the patient. Therefore, endothelial function has been identified as a target for therapeutic intervention. Regular exercise training is a nonpharmacological option to improve endothelial dysfunction in patients with cardiovascular disease by increasing NO bioavailability.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases / metabolism*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / physiopathology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / therapy
  • Endothelium, Vascular / metabolism*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiopathology
  • Endothelium-Dependent Relaxing Factors / metabolism
  • Exercise*
  • Humans
  • Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / metabolism
  • Nitric Oxide / biosynthesis*
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase / biosynthesis
  • Oxidative Stress / physiology*
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Endothelium-Dependent Relaxing Factors
  • Nitric Oxide
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase