title: [Nitrates in cardiology: current role and areas of uncertainty].
abstract: Nitrates have been commonly used in the therapy of cardiovascular disease for more than 150 years. In spite of this longevity and the popularity of their use, it appears somewhat paradoxical that their use is not consistent among cardiologists, both as to their indications and as to their mode of administration. In part this results from their contradictory pharmacodynamics: when given acutely, their effectiveness is indisputable; however, their long-term efficacy is substantially limited by the development of tolerance and the induction of endothelial dysfunction, which may have negative prognostic implications. This review, reporting the most recent biochemical and pathophysiological acquisitions, re-examines the role of nitrates in cardiovascular medicine, reporting, comparing and commenting international guidelines.
authors.affiliation: Istituto di Cardiologia, Università degli Studi "G. d'Annunzio", Chieti.
authors.forename: Francesco Iachini
authors.initials: FI
authors.lastname: Bellisarii
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Muscente
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Radico
authors.forename: Marianna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Appignani
authors.forename: Raffaele
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: De Caterina
mesh_terms: D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000188:drug therapy; D009566:Nitrates / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D035501:Uncertainty; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D009566:Nitrates