In conclusion, reduced nitric oxide bioactivity contributes to cardiac and vascular remodeling. Nitricoxide-enhancing therapy can slow cardiac andvascular remodeling. African-Americans with heart failure exhibit nitric oxide deficiency and a dramatic benefit from nitric-oxide-enhancing therapy. The potential benefit of this therapy in other groups with heart failure and in other vascular remodeling disease processes requires further study.
Rasmussen Center for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA. cohnx001@umn.edu
