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Mechanical damage or chronic exposure to CRF alters the regulatory functions of the endothelium which progress to apoptosis and dysfunction. Disruption of endothelial integrity is associated with a broad spectrum of responses including detachment of mature endothelial cells (CEC) and shedding of endothelial microparticles (EMP). In response to injury, endothelial progenitors cells (EPC), recruited from the bone marrow, are able to differentiate into mature cells and to restore endothelial integrity. These endothelial responses can be integrated into a dynamic ‘activation / lesion/regeneration triad’ CRF: cardiovascular risk factor, CEC: circulating endothelial cells, EMP: endothelial microparticles, EPC: endothelial progenitor cells.