Nitrates.
Nitroglycerin and the long-acting nitrates are playing an increasingly important role in cardiovascular medicine. These agents are recommended in all of the various anginal syndromes and are as effective as the beta-blockers and calcium channel antagonists. There is a definite place for nitrate therapy in treating the complications of acute myocardial infarction. These drugs are also highly effective as unloading therapy in congestive heart failure. The mechanisms of action of the nitrates are reviewed in this article. Information is provided regarding nitrate efficacy in all the major clinical syndromes in which these drugs are used. Finally, appropriate dosing strategies are suggested that should eliminate the potential problem of nitrate tolerance.
D000818:Animals; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D009566:Nitrates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005996:Nitroglycerin / Q000627:therapeutic use
D009566:Nitrates; D005996:Nitroglycerin