ABSTRACT
Nanotechnology, one of the most important technologies in modern times, has been growing explosively throughout the world over the last few years, producing a diverse array of nanomaterials. Engineered nanomaterials are designed at the molecular level to take advantage of their high relative surface area and quantum effects not seen in their corresponding conventional forms. As a matter of fact, nanomaterials are already in commercial use, with a broad range of commercial products available in textiles, cosmetics, sunscreens, electronics, paints, and medicines. While benets of nanotechnology and nanomaterials are widely publicized, concerns have been raised about the potential risks posed by the use of these engineered nanomaterials.1,2
The cardiovascular system consists of two components: (1) the heart, which pumps blood to the lung and tissue capillaries; and (2) the blood vessels through which the blood ows. The major functions of the cardiovascular system are transportation, protection, uid balance, and thermoregulation, all of which are vital for the human body. Data on the toxicity of engineered nanomaterials against the cardiovascular system have been accumulating in the past decade, while the mechanisms have yet to be claried. The current chapter summarizes recent publications regarding the toxicity of engineered nanomaterials on the cardiovascular system.
