Nitrates and platelets

Q: One of the caveats of using nitrates in angina is its prothrombotic characteristic.

A) True

B) False

Answer: B

One less-known positive contributing effect of Nitrates in coronary artery disease or any vasculopathy is its antithrombotic effect. 

The mechanism of action is probably via stimulation of platelet guanylate cyclase, which prevents fibrinogen binding to platelet IIb/IIIa receptors and, thus, platelet aggregation.

This effect is visible via both intravenous and transdermal nitroglycerin.

#pharmacology

#cardiology

#vascular

References:

1. Loscalzo J. Antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects of organic nitrates. Am J Cardiol 1992; 70:18B.

2. Lacoste LL, Théroux P, Lidón RM, et al. Antithrombotic properties of transdermal nitroglycerin in stable angina pectoris. Am J Cardiol 1994; 73:1058.