The vascular endothelium has a wide range of critical vascular functions and adapts rapidly to local requirements. The endothelium plays an essential role in regulating tonus maintains vascular permeability for macromolecules and leukocytes, vascular wall proliferation processes, the balance between coagulation and fibrinolysis, and the structure of the subendothelial matrix. The endothelium is a metabolically active endocrine, paracrine and autocrine organ, which generates a wide range of regulatory mediators. It is generally accepted that known risk factors of atherosclerosis are associated with endothelial dysfunction. During the last 10 years it has been demonstrated that endothelial dysfunction maybe the initiating event in the process of atherosclerosis, vascular remodelling and increased risk of cardiovascular events.

        Key words: endothelium -risk factors - endothelial dysfunction - atherosclerosis - cardiovascular events.