Exercise is associated with which effect on endothelial function?

Exercise is associated with which effect on endothelial function?

• A. Worsened endothelial function
• B. No change in endothelial function
• C. Improved endothelial function
• D. Increased arterial stiffness

Answer: (C)

Regular exercise improves endothelial function by increasing the shear stress on blood vessel walls, which activates endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and raises nitric oxide (NO) production. NO is a key vasodilator and anti-inflammatory molecule that enhances endothelium-dependent relaxation and protects against oxidative stress. Over time, this leads to better endothelial responsiveness and vascular health, often reflected in improved measures of endothelial function and lower cardiovascular risk. Worsened or no change in endothelial function isn’t what exercise generally produces, and while exercise can affect arterial stiffness, the direct, studied effect on the endothelium is an improvement.

Regular exercise improves endothelial function by increasing the shear stress on blood vessel walls, which activates endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and raises nitric oxide (NO) production. NO is a key vasodilator and anti-inflammatory molecule that enhances endothelium-dependent relaxation and protects against oxidative stress. Over time, this leads to better endothelial responsiveness and vascular health, often reflected in improved measures of endothelial function and lower cardiovascular risk.

Worsened or no change in endothelial function isn’t what exercise generally produces, and while exercise can affect arterial stiffness, the direct, studied effect on the endothelium is an improvement.