A method of stimulating the expression of endothelial NO-synthase in a mammal, which method comprises administering a physiologically active amount of 4-fluoro-N-indan- 2-yl benzamide according to the formula (I) ##STR00001## to the said mammal. Compound (I) can be used for the therapy and prophylaxis of cardiovascular diseases like stable and unstable angina pectoris, Prinzmetal angina (spasm), acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke, thrombosis, peripheral artery occlusive disease PAOD, atherosclerosis, restenosis, endothelial damage after PTCA, essential hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, secondary hypertension, renovascular chronic glomerulonephritis, erectile dysfunction, ventricular arrhythmia, and the lowering of cardiovascular risk of postmenopausal women or after intake of contraceptives, the therapy and prophylaxis of diabetes and diabetes complications (nephropathy, retinopathy), angiogenesis, asthma bronchiale, chronic renal failure, cirrhosis of the liver, restricted memory performance or a restricted ability to learn.