Nitroglycerin (glyceryl trinitrate) is the prototype of therapeutically active nitrates. Nitrates improve oxygen supply to the myocardium (dilation of the coronary artery, reduction of the end-diastolic pressure in the left ventricle) and reduce the myocardial oxygen requirements (dilation of the peripheral arteries, lowering of the systemic blood pressure). Reduction of venous return is a particular benefit (reduction of preload) in the event of heart failure.

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