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Nitrates and Arterial Function

  • Hypertension (M Safar, Section Editor)
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Abstract

In this article we trace the history of nitrites and nitrates from their discovery to their widespread use in clinical medicine. The cardiovascular actions and uses of these molecules [namely endogenous nitric oxide (NO) and exogenous nitroglycerin (NTG)] are described along with their similar mechanisms of action. The major vasodilating effect of both NO and NTG is on muscular arteries with less effect on arterioles and veins. By decreasing arterial stiffness, these agents reduce pulse wave velocity (PWV) and attenuate wave reflection amplitude and duration. These alterations in arterial properties and wave reflection characteristics reduce pulsatile left ventricular (LV) afterload (systolic and pulse blood pressure) and LV wasted energy, which decrease myocardial oxygen requirements. These agents can also increase arteriolar and venous caliber, which decreases distal resistance and increases venous capacity, respectively. These mechanistic effects help to explain the benefit of nitrites and nitrates in control of angina pectoris, congestive heart failure, and systolic hypertension.

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Conflict of Interest

Wilmer W Nichols declares that he has no conflict of interest.

Krishna Harripersaud declares that he has no conflict of interest.

John W Petersen declares that he has no conflict of interest.

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  1. Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Box 100277, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA

    Wilmer W. Nichols, Krishna Harripersaud & John W. Petersen

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Nichols, W.W., Harripersaud, K. & Petersen, J.W. Nitrates and Arterial Function. Curr Cardiovasc Risk Rep 7, 224–232 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12170-013-0312-2

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