What Is Endothelial Dysfunction?

The endothelium is a thin layer of cells that lines your blood vessels. These cells help control how blood flows, how vessels open, and how the body reacts to injury. When the endothelium stops working the right way, it’s called endothelial dysfunction.

This problem affects how your blood vessels react. It can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, or stroke if not managed.

What Causes Endothelial Dysfunction?

There are many things that can damage the endothelium.

Common endothelial dysfunction causes include:

  • Smoking

  • High blood pressure

  • High blood sugar

  • High cholesterol

  • Inflammation

  • Stress
  • Poor diet

  • Lack of movement

All of these raise the risk of long-term heart problems. It may also show up before other signs of disease.

Endothelial Dysfunction

Signs and Symptoms

Endothelial dysfunction symptoms can be hard to spot. Often, there are no early signs. Over time, blood flow may get worse, and other health issues can appear.

Some people may have:

  • Fatigue

  • Chest tightness

  • Trouble during exercise

  • Poor healing

  • High blood pressure

  • Early signs of artery disease

Doctors may run extra tests if symptoms don’t match the usual signs of heart disease.

Why It Matters

Is endothelial dysfunction dangerous?

Yes. It is one of the first signs that your arteries are not working well. It may lead to hardening of the arteries, plaque buildup, or clots.

How It’s Diagnosed

There is no single test. But doctors use a mix of tools to look at how your blood vessels react.

Blood test for endothelial dysfunction may check markers of inflammation, blood sugar, or cholesterol.

Other tests may include:

  • Ultrasound

  • Flow tests during stress

  • Blood pressure in limbs

  • Signs of poor vessel response

Doctors may also use the endothelial dysfunction ICD-10 code for records.

This is where BaleDoneen can help.

We use tests to spot early damage in your arteries. If your endothelium is not working well, we create a plan to protect your heart and improve your heart health over time.

Treatment Options

Endothelial dysfunction treatment starts with basic changes:

  • Stop smoking
  • Lower blood pressure and sugar
  • Eat a better diet
  • Get active
  • Manage stress
  • Take the right medicine

Doctors may also suggest a natural cure for this, such as:

  • Omega-3s
  • Vitamin C and D
  • Regular movement
  • Foods that help blood flow

Always ask your doctor before starting supplements.

Can It Be Reversed?

Is endothelial dysfunction reversible?

In many cases, yes. The endothelium can heal if you take the right steps. Early care is the key.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is endothelial dysfunction?

How do you fix endothelial dysfunction?

What foods damage the endothelium?

What are the markers for endothelial dysfunction?