Once thought to represent an inert lining in blood vessels, an increasing number of vital functions of the vascular endothelium have emerged in recent years. The present understanding of the role of the endothelium in health and disease has resulted from both animal experiments and clinical trials in humans. Endothelial dysfunction is now regarded as an early marker of vascular disease and therefore an important target for therapeutic intervention and discovery of novel treatments. Ideal for both basic and clinical scientists, whether in industry or academia, and physicians, Vascular Endothelium in Human Physiology and Pathophysiology provides a review of the vascular functions of the endothelium and its role in key areas of cardiovascular disease. It focuses on evidence from studies in humans.