PMID: 2115855Jun 1, 1990Paper

Nitrates in the treatment of heart failure

Herz
J DirschingerW Rudolph

Abstract

Organic nitrates were the first peripherally-active vasodilators to be used for the treatment of heart failure. Currently, three nitrate derivatives, glycerol trinitrate, isosorbide dinitrate and isosorbide 5-mononitrate as well as the nitrate-like substance molsidomine are employed clinically. For treatment of heart failure, the decisive hemodynamic effect is a meaningful reduction in ventricular filling pressures with maintenance or even a slight increase in cardiac output. The individual response to nitrates is variable. An important indicator for the effect achievable for a certain dose or for the necessary dosage to affect a defined reduction in ventricular filling pressures, is the magnitude of right atrial pressure. It can be assumed that the latter statement is also valid for the nitrate-like substance molsidomine. An inherent problem with any long-term treatment with nitrates is the incurrence of tolerance. This can be expected with any dosing regimen which leads to nitrate cumulation in the plasma or to nearly-constant, high, plasma concentrations as rendered by multiple daily administration of orally-active nitrates or with continuous transdermal or intravenous nitrate administration. The cause of nitrate tolerance i...Continue Reading

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