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Abstract
A number of diseases like hypertension including pregnancy induced hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, dyslipidemia have been linked to endothelial dysfunction and different methods have been developed to measure it. Understanding the role of endothelium in the pathogenesis has lead to better strategies in the management of various diseases. Especially noninvasive modalities for assessment of endothelial function like flow mediated dilatation (FMD) and its response to various drugs has opened the door for targeting the endothelial dysfunction associated with these diseases.
Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) remains a major cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. PIH not only adversely affects during pregnancy but also has a long term effect on the health of women and offspring. Currently there is no general policy to counsel, prevent and screen PIH or to measure the effects of various antihypertensives on disease pathophysiology or to screen for adverse health consequences following PIH. Studies have shown a relation between endothelial dysfunction and later development of cardiovascular events.
