Small vessels with big impact on cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular diseases remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Europe. With small arteries having an emerging role in disease pathogenesis, it is time to understand the underlying mechanisms.

Cardiovascular diseases are commonly associated with large vessel atherosclerosis. However, accumulating evidence demonstrates disturbances in the small arteries that control tissue perfusion. In particular, under specific conditions such as hypertension, aging, diabetes and obesity, these vessels undergo alteration in size and function, a process known as small artery remodelling. Such changes limit the capacity of these vessels to deliver oxygen to the various organs in our body, resulting in poor oxygenation and loss of organ function. Moreover, remodelling causes hypertension, creating a vicious circle of high blood pressure and remodelling that requires interruption.

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