Increased nitric oxide production in heart failure.

Winlaw, D S; Smythe, G A; Keogh, A M; Schyvens, C G; Spratt, P M; Macdonald, P S · Lancet · 1994

cross_sectional · Level IV

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Abstract

The role of nitric oxide in heart failure is unknown. The high-capacity inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase is present in the myocardium of patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Plasma nitrate, the stable end-product of nitric oxide production, was significantly increased in patients with heart failure compared with normal controls (means 51.3 and 24.6 mumol/L). Vasodilation caused by increased nitric oxide may compensate for the vasoconstrictor effect of neurohumoral adaptions to heart failure. Alternatively, excess production may be detrimental to the heart by a direct negative inotropic effect.

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