Current concepts and future aspects of pharmacological interventions in the treatment of coronary heart disease have been compiled. Especially new insights in the pathophysiology of coronary heart disease e.g. the dynamic pathology of coronary atherosclerosis, possible role of endothelin in vasospasm, as well as new pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic aspects of organic nitrates are discussed. Also the role of sympathetic nervous system as a pivotal question in pathophysiology and clinical pharmacology in the treatment of angina pectoris has been considered.