title: Current perspectives on hydralazine and nitrate therapies in heart failure.
abstract: The origins of the hydralazine/isosorbide dinitrate (H+ISDN) combination therapy are rooted in the first large-scale clinical trial in heart failure: V-HeFT I. Initially utilized for the balanced vasodilatory properties of each drug, we now know there is "more to the story." In fact, the maintenance of the nitroso-redox balance may be the true mechanism of benefit. Since the publication of V-HeFT I 30 years ago, H+ISDN has been the subject of much discussion and debate. Regardless of the many controversies surrounding H+ISDN, one thing is clear: therapy is underutilized and many patients who could benefit never receive the drugs. Ongoing physician and patient education are mandatory to improve the rates of H+ISDN use.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Emory University, 1365 Clifton Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. Electronic address: rtcole@emory.edu.
authors.forename: Robert T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Cole
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Emory University, 1365 Clifton Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
authors.forename: Divya
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Emory University, 1365 Clifton Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
authors.forename: Javed
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Butler
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006830:Hydralazine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007548:Isosorbide Dinitrate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012737:Sex Factors
chemical_list: D004338:Drug Combinations; C431665:isosorbide-hydralazine combination; D006830:Hydralazine; D007548:Isosorbide Dinitrate
keywords: Congestive heart failure; Hydralazine; Nitrates; Vasodilators