THE VASOVAGAL EFFECT OF NITRATES - UNDER-RECOGNIZED COMPLICATION OF NITRATE USE

Nitrates are useful drugs in cardiovascular medicine. They have a pres umed vasovagal effect, which is a rare but often under-recognised comp lication that is partly caused by central inhibition of the sympatheti c nervous system. However, no consistent variable associated with the presumed vasovagal effects following nitrate administration can be ide ntified, and there are only limited reports of the phenomenon in the l iterature. In fact, the true prevalence of such a complication is unkn own, because no data from observational studies exist, although it wou ld seem likely to be a rare event. A greater awareness and recognition of this unusual effect of nitrate use is necessary in view of the inc reasing use of nitrates. Fortunately, recovery is generally the rule w ith supportive management.