During coronary bypass surgery the heart undergoes ischemia-reperfusion injury and troponin T is most often released from the myocardium. The aim of the present study is to investigate if preoperative inorganic nitrate, in doses easily achievable from the diet, can affect troponin T release as well as other surrogate markers of injury to the liver, kidneys and the brain. In addition, plasma and urine samples will be collected for markers of oxidative stress and inflammation (sCRP and cytokines). Patients planned for bypass surgery who give their written informed consent will, the night before surgery, get a standardized, low-nitrate meal where after they receive sodium nitrate on two occasions preoperatively; the night before and in the morning before surgery. Plasma and urine samples will be collected at various time points up to 72 hours after surgery.