The present invention provides methods of treating or preventing vascular
diseases caused by nitric oxide (NO) insufficiency. The methods encompass
administering a composition comprising an antioxidant, a compound to
treat cardiovascular diseases, a nitrosated compound, a compound that
donates, transfers or relases NO, or is a NO synthase substrate, or
endogenously stimulates NO synthesis, or stimulates levels of endothelium
derived relaxing factor. In the said composition, a hydralazine compound
may be an antioxidant, isosorbide mono-or dinitrate may be the compound
to donate, transfer, release, or stimulate endogenous NO synthesis. The
isorsorbide may also elevate endogenous levels of endotherlium-derived
relaxing factor, or be a NO synthase substrate and angiotensin enzyme
inhibitor may be nitrosated compound. Disclosed in the invention is also
a method to treat, or prevent Renaud's syndrome by administering a
therapeutically effective amount of an antioxidant, a NO donor, a
nitrosated compound and novel sustained-release formulations (e.g. a
transdermal patch).