CRP and endothelial dysfunction: Current evidence suggests that plasma CRP level has a direct effect on endothelial cells (ECs) by decreasing endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression and bioactivity, reducing nitric oxide (NO) production and increasing the release of vasoconstrictors and adhesion molecules, such as ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1, and E‐selectin, thus playing an important part in endothelial dysfunction.49, 50