Decreased endogenous nitric oxide production in acute decompensated heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction

Abstract

Aims: Heart failure represents a substantial burden to both patients and healthcare systems worldwide. Nitric oxide (NO) dysregulation may play a key role in patients transitioning from chronic to acute heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Plasma nitrite (NO2−) is highly reflective of local nitric oxide production and has not been studied in acute HFrEF. This study aims to quantify measures of NO biology in patients with acute and chronic HFrEF. Methods and results: We utilized gas-phase chemiluminescence to determine plasma NO2− concentrations. Plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and arterial stiffness were also measured. Plasma concentrations of NO2− and ADMA, in a..