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Nitric Oxide & Cardiac Health

Many people are familiar with nitric oxide only as a common air pollutant created by automobile fumes. Nitric oxide is a known toxin, and it was not until 1998 that researchers made the astounding discovery that nitric oxide--NO--acts as a signaling molecule for the cardiovascular system and plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the heart.

  1. Origin

    • In the body, the endothelium produces nitric oxide. Endothelium is the thin layer of tissue lining the interior surface of the blood vessels. Endothelial cells cover the entirety of the cardiovascular system, from the heart to the small blood capillaries. Endothelial cells use the amino acid L-arginine to synthesize nitric oxide in the body.

    Function

    • Nitric oxide promotes blood flow, decreases fatty deposits in the blood vessels, prevents blood vessels walls from becoming thicker or stiffer and prevents arteries from narrowing. These functions all contribute to the efficient flow of blood through a healthy cardiovascular system. Nitric oxide also acts as a signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system, prompting blood vessels to dilate by sending the smooth muscles within the blood vessels the signal to relax. Nitric oxide helps to regulate blood pressure as well.

    Benefits

    • Nitric oxide helps to prevent or repair damage to the endothelium caused by a variety of factors, including smoking, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Nitric oxide protects the heart by helping to prevent atherosclerosis (cholesterol build up in the arteries) and thrombosis (blood clots in the blood vessels.)

    Problems

    • Prolonged or severe damage to the endothelium reduces the endothelium's ability to produce nitric oxide. This in turn increases damage to the blood vessels and raises the risks of heart disease.

    Solutions

    • Regular exercise is known to increase the amount of nitric oxide produced by the endothelial cells over time. Doctors may prescribe nitroglyercin to atherosclerosis patients in order to ensure their cardiovascular systems receive adequate amounts of nitric oxide.

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