Hidden blood vessel damage may predict heart surgery complications

This study investigates whether patients with pre-existing endothelial dysfunction (damage to the inner lining of blood vessels) are more likely to develop vasoplegia (a dangerous drop in blood pressure) after cardiac surgery using a heart-lung machine. Researchers will measure various markers of endothelial function in adults undergoing coronary artery bypass or aortic valve surgery. The goal is to understand if pre-existing vessel damage contributes to post-surgery complications.