Fig. 1

^{©Karsten Königstein}: Causes and consequences of endothelial dysfunction. Chronic inflammation a increased oxidative stress b premature exhaustion of endothelial progenitor cells c and dysregulated energy metabolism (NAD⁺  = N-adenosine diphosphate) d are major drivers of reduced nitric oxide bioavailability e in endothelial cells. The result is a reduced nitric oxide bioavailability leading to atherosclerosis f ischemic heart disease g arterial hypertension h stroke i and chronic kidney disease j