Nitric oxide, cardiovascular disease and physical exercise.

Mailing Address: Angelina zanesco • Av. 24-A, 1.515 – 13506-900 – Rio Claro,SP Brazil E-mail: [email protected] Manuscript received March 24, 2006; received manuscript revised May 16, 2006; accepted June 1, 2006. Arterial hypertension (AH) has a high incidence in the world’s population and its etiology is multifactorial, involving genetic, environmental and psychological factors1,2. Its prevalence has progressively increased, especially among women, African descendants and the elderly. More than 50% of the subjects between 60 and 69 years of age and approximately 3⁄4 of the population older than 70 years are affected by AH1. Additionally, there is a positive and direct correlation between the elevated arterial pressure levels and the risk of cardiovascular diseases, regardless of gender, age range and ethnicity1,2. Hence, the understanding of the cell and molecular mechanisms involved in the genesis of AH is fundamental for the attainment of preventive and/or therapeutic measures, with the objective of controlling pressure levels and consequently, reduce the cardiovascular risks associated with AH. Therefore, this review aims at discussing the mechanisms involved in the arterial pressure control, focusing on the role of the vascular endothelium and the importance of physical exercise in the regulation of nitric oxide production by endothelial cells.