The Claim
Inhibition of nitric oxide increases coronary vascular resistance by 16% and reduces epicardial artery diameter by 11% in patients with normal coronary arteries at rest, demonstrating that nitric oxide contributes to basal coronary vascular tone.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
When nitric oxide production is blocked in people with healthy coronary arteries, the resistance in the heart's blood vessels increases by 16% and the main artery supplying the heart narrows by 11% while at rest.
See the scientific wording
Nitric oxide contributes to basal coronary vascular tone at rest, as its inhibition increases coronary vascular resistance by 16% and reduces epicardial artery diameter by 11% in patients with normal coronary arteries.
Endothelial cells in coronary arteries constantly produce nitric oxide, which enters nearby muscle cells and triggers a chemical signal that makes the muscle relax, keeping the arteries slightly open even when the heart is at rest. When nitric oxide production is blocked, the muscle tightens, narrowing the arteries and increasing resistance to blood flow.
What the research says
1 studyStudy: Contribution of nitric oxide to metabolic coronary vasodilation in the human heart.
When scientists blocked nitric oxide in healthy hearts, the blood vessels tightened up and made it harder for blood to flow — even when the heart was at rest. This proves nitric oxide naturally keeps heart arteries slightly open all the time.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.