Frontmatter -- Editor -- Contents -- Introduction -- Endothelial function and nitric oxide (NO): central role in vascular function and protection -- Organic nitrates: has the therapeutic potential been exhausted? -- Overview of nitrate therapy -- Physical exercise of patients with coronary heart disease: effects and importance of nitrates -- Rehabilitation in Germany compared with other European countries -- The prophylactic use of glyceryl trinitrate -- Psychological guidance of patients with coronary heart disease -- Hypertension therapy in patients with coronary heart disease -- Awarding of the 1999 Nitrolingual Prize -- Announcement "2003 Nitrolingual Prize"