[The author presents a review about the fundamental principles of normal endothelial function and the main causes for the development of endothelial dysfunction. First of all, endothelial dysfunction results in structural alterations in the wall of the vessel - the „vascular remodelling” in hypertension - and that is the base of hypertensive microangiopathy and target organ damage. In patients with high blood pressure the reactivity of vessels is impaired by the endothelial dysfunction. The members of the main drug groups can influence the vasoactive factors produced in endothelium differently. This different effects of drugs create different clinical benefits. Especially, the ACE inhibitors, the calcium antagonists (mostly the new generation of dihydropyridines) have endothelial protective effects, but some β-blockers, α-1 adrenergic blockers and - in a totally different way of action - the statins are capable of influencing the endothelial dysfunction.]

[Author presents the formation of nitric oxide as a largest vasodilator of human endothelium as well as the endothelial dysfunction a result of formation at adrenergic stimulus. He demonstrates in detail the benefits of selective β-1 blocker and β-3 adrenergic agonist nebivolol in the vascular system. This drug has also receptor independent effects. Complex effects of nebivolol causes vasodilation, inhibits oxidative stress and it is capable to neutralize the effects of free oxygen radicals and as a result the endothelial function will be better. Its clinical effects and the less wellknown beneficial properties are listed. The use of drug is discussed especially in hypertensives with smoking, COPD or PAD. The β-3 agonist effect provides positive reactions not only in the adipocytes and the myocardial tissue. but in the skeletal muscle as well: Increase in energy expenditure - as a compensatory mechanism - is increased in obesity and the glucose uptake + storage on skeletal muscle cells are increased in hyperglycemia. The insulin sensitivity will be better, leptin level is decreased, adiponectin level is increased by nebivolol. It is assumed this drug has antidiabetic and anti-obesity effects.]

[The microvascular bed is an anatomical entity, which constitutes of blood vessels smaller than 50 μm (i.e. arterioles, capillaries and venules), and its major function is the nutritive perfusion of organs and tissues. In search of cardiovascular diseases, there are growing evidences that impaired microcirculation plays an important role in the patophysiology of arterial diseases. Beside the well known consequence of diabetic microangiopathy in the development of diabetic complications, new data support the role of microcirculation in the pathogenesis of hypertension and atherosclerosis, as well. There are different non-invasive methods for the investigation of the microcirculation. Capillarmicroscopy, laser doppler flowmetry and transcutaneous oxygen pressure measurement are used not only in the scientific research, but also in the clinical practice. Laser doppler flowmetry gives us the possibility to assess microvascular endothelial function and other early microcirculatory disturbances. Capillarmicroscopy is particularly useful in the diagnosis of different autoimmune diseases. Transcutaneous oxygen pressure measurement is mostly used in the diagnosis of critical limb ischemia, because it has proven prognostic relevance. Vascular specialist should prescribe all investigations. General practitioners play key role in the early diagnosis of vascular diseases that can be achieved through the screening of patients at risk for vascular disease. In case of suspected vascular disease, the patient should refer to angiology outpatient clinic, to decide further investigations and prescribe therapy. The conservative treatment includes the complex cardiovascular risk management supplemented with medication, acting on the microcirculation.]

[Dyslipidaemia is one of the known main risk factors of atherosclerosis by causing endothelial dysfunction that initiates and promotes vascular remodelling. Recent data from experimental and clinical studies suggest the existence of lipoprotein- neurohormonal interactions that may adversely affect vascular structure and function. Elevated lipid levels enhance the activation of the renin-angiotensin system, and, on the other hand, activation of the renin-angiotensin system leads to increased LDL cholesterol biosynthesis and oxidized-LDL uptake. These findings may explain the synergistic effect on cardiovascular risk observed in patients with coexisting hypertension and dyslipidaemia. The combined use of cholesterol-lowering drugs and inhibition of the tissue renin-angiotensin system may be more efficient in reducing cardiovascular risk.]

[In the past two decade numerous data has been collected about the role of endothelium in the development of several cardiovascular disorders i.e. hypertension, congestive heart failure and atherosclerosis. Endothelial cells had been thought to be passive barriers only, but it turned out that through paracrine and autocrine hormone secretion they take part in modulating and regulating the vasodilator and vasoconstrictor effects being directed to vascular smooth muscle cells. The intact endothelium prevents the adhesion of platelets and monocytes, the platelet aggregation, as well as the migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. It has been shown that both in experimental and human hypertension the endothelial function i.e. the so-called endothel-dependent vasodilatation is damaged, being the main feature of endothelial dysfunction. In spite of extensive research it is not clear whether endothelial dysfunction is a cause or a consequence of hypertension, with exact pathomechanism being also unclear. Methods, by which this important parameter could be precisely measured are under development. Researchers also examine whether recently used antihypertensive agents could improve or eliminate endothelial dysfunction and whether this effect may offer benefit to patients in terms of morbidity and mortality. This article attempts to summarize the most up-to-date information about the endothelial dysfunction research.]