Abstract:Hydrogen sulde (H2S) is a novel endogenous gaseous signal molecule, and plays important role in both physiological and pathophysiological processes including vasodilation, regulation of blood pressure and angiogenesis, anti-oxidation and cardioprotection. The underlying mechanisms involve in induction of S-sulfhydration, modulation of autophagy and miRNA expression, regulation of ion channels, SIRT1 and Nrf2 activity, interaction with NO and CO signaling. It has been shown that decrease of endogenous H2S level links to a variety of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury and heart failure. Increased endogenous H2S production or administration of exogenous H2S is a new strategy for prevention and treatment of the cardiovascular diseases. This review mainly focuses on the recent progress about the role and mechanisms of hydrogen sulfide in cardiovascular system.