Circulating endothelial cells (CECs) are mature cells that break away from the lining of blood vessels and enter the bloodstream, usually due to some kind of vascular injury or dysfunction. When CEC levels are elevated, it can indicate issues like atherosclerosis, hypertension, acute coronary syndromes, and peripheral artery disease. Keeping an eye on CECs can give us valuable insights into the health of the endothelium and act as a non-invasive marker for assessing cardiovascular risk.
Detecting CECs can help doctors evaluate how severe a disease is, track how well treatments are working, and even predict potential cardiovascular problems. Methods like flow cytometry and immunomagnetic separation are commonly used to measure CECs. By incorporating CEC assessments into everyday clinical practice, we can catch vascular damage early, ensure timely interventions, and create personalized plans to maintain vascular health