Nitrate derivatives are venous vasodilators which are effective in reducing the symptoms of pulmonary congestion. The beneficial action on exercise capacity was recently demonstrated in the Veterans II Study in association with Hydralazine and has also been suggested by other trials. The reduction in mortality from cardiac failure was demonstrated in the Veterans I Study in association with Hydralazine compared to conventional digitalo-diuretic therapy but seems less important than that obtained by angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. The phenomenon of tolerance seems to be related to the use of high doses in continuous therapy and may be countered by discontinuous use of the drug during the 24 hour period. Tolerance seems to be related to neuro-hormonal factors and perhaps to depletion of SH groups. Simultaneous use of nitrates and ACE inhibitors seems to be an interesting therapeutic concept.