The recent patent literature concerning inhibitors of the various nitric ox
ide synthase (NOS) isoforms and their therapeutic potential in cardiovascul
ar disorders is reviewed. Though the preponderance of data points to the in
timate involvement of nitric oxide (NO) and the NOS isoforms in multiple ca
rdiovascular disease states, it is not completely clear if and how NOS inhi
bitors with varied selectivity profiles will be beneficial. However, patent
s and patent applications encompassing a wide variety of structural types c
laim therapeutic use in cardiovascular diseases. This patent literature is
examined and structural comparisons between the inhibitors and the endogeno
us ligands and co-factors are discussed.