Fixed-dose isosorbide dinitrate-hydralazine: race-based cardiovascular medicine benefit or mirage?

Author(s): Ferdinand KC

Affiliation(s): Cardiology Division, Emory University, USA.

Publication date & source: 2008-09, J Law Med Ethics., 36(3):458-63.

Publication type: Review

Race is not a scientific category, but African Americans have increased prevalence and severity of heart failure. The African American Heart Failure trial showed the benefit of a combination of isosorbide dinitrate (a nitric oxide donor) and hydralazine (an antioxidant). Future research may unmask the reason for cardiovascular differences in therapy.