Final answer:
The decreased activity of nitric oxide (NO) can lead to an increased risk of coronary vasospasm, as NO is vital for inducing the relaxation of smooth muscle in blood vessels and maintaining vascular tone.
Step-by-step explanation:
Liz's concern about the endothelial lining of her coronary blood vessels and the risk of coronary vasospasm suggests a particular focus on the mediators involved in vascular tone regulation. Given that nitric oxide (NO) is a crucial mediator that induces the relaxation of smooth muscle by diffusing across the plasma membrane and acting on specific receptors, decreased activity of this mediator can indeed lead to an increased risk of vasospasm.
NO has a very short half-life, affecting only short distances, and is known for its vasodilatory effect on the cardiovascular system, highlighted by its role in the action of nitroglycerin in treating heart disease. Thus the correct answer to the question is that the decreased activity of nitric oxide (NO) will leave Liz at risk of coronary vasospasm.