Blood Pressure-Independent Atherogenic and Thromboembolic Mechanisms of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System

Journal of Clinical and Basic Cardiology 2001; 4 (2): 89-91

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Keywords: Atherosklerose,  Fibrinolyse,  Renin-Angiotensin-System,  Thromboembolie,  Wachstumsfaktor,  atherosclerosis,  fibrinolysis,  growth factors,  renin-angiotensin system,  thromboembolism

Numerous studies have provided insight into the possible role of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in the pathophysiology of atherosclerotic vascular disease and its thromboembolic complications. This article reviews mechanisms of the RAAS reaching beyond blood pressure control and extracellular fluid volume regulation which may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease. In this context, growing evidence supports the concept that angiotensin II mediates key events that lead to progressive atherosclerosis and thromboembolism, including growth and proliferation, impaired fibrinolysis, oxidative stress and inflammation.