[Comparison of the effects of diltiazem and isradipine in adrenergic beta receptor blockade in patients with stable angina pectoris].

In 20 patients with stable angina II-III according to NYHA by means of ergometry the effect of short-term administration of dilthiazem (90 mg in three doses), placebo and isradipine (5 mg in three doses) in block of beta-receptors of the sympathetic nerve (metipranolol 3 x 10 mg/day) was compared. As compared with placebo, dilthiazem and isradipine retarded significantly the development of stenocardia, reduced the S-T depression in lead V5 and increased the total work output during ergometry. Based on the results of this and previous work (9) it may be stated that concurrent administration of metipranolol reduced the frequency of side-effects of isradipine and prevented the reflex rise of the heart rate following its short-terms administration. The authors conclude that starting treatment of stable angina with isradipine is safer and more effective in combination with metipranolol than when monotherapy is used. Dilthiazem must be administered with metipranolol carefully with regard to possible development of severe bradycardia and its suitable dose should be established by titration.