Pharmacological Treatment of Hypertension: Effects in Endothelial Function.

The vascular endothelium plays an important role to maintain the functional integrity of the cardiovascular system. The synthesis and secretion of substances with biological activity such as prostacyclin and NO give endothelium the vasodilator, antithrombotic, and antiatherosclerotic properties. Endothelial dysfunction participates in the genesis of HTA, but also hypertension produces endothelial damage. The major class of antihypertensive drugs has beneficial effects in the recuperation of the endothelial function, actions that are contributing to explain the impact of the adequate control of HTA in the reduction of CV events.