Hemodynamic assessment of intravenous Isosorbidi Dinitras in coronary heart disease.

This study investigates the systemic hemodynamic effects of intravenous Isosorbidi Dinitras, Isoket (ISDN) in 20 patients with coronary arterial disease to test the validity of the hypothesis concerning the relief of myocardial ischemia. Patients were eligible for the study if they had angina with coronary angiographic records or if they were cases of post-myocardial infarction. Before and after ISDN infusion the following measurements were recorded or calculated: heart rate (HR); systolic, diastolic and mean aortic pressure (ASP, ADP, AP); systolic and mean pressure of the left ventricle (LVSP, LVP); end-diastolic pressure in the LV (LVEDP); left ventricular contractility (dp/dt max); the double products (DP, HR x LVSP) and myocardial perfusion pressure in the LV (LVPP). After ISDN the ASP, AP and LVEDP decreased while HR, ADP, dp/dt and DP showed no significant changes. However, LVEDP was significantly decreased from 20 +/- 7 to 12 +/- 5 mmHg (P less than 0.01) with increased LVPP from 49 +/- 12 to 56 +/- 13 mmHg (P less than 0.01), which may be favourable for the relief of myocardial ischemia. There was no significant change of dp/dt max with decreased LVEDP after ISDN. It is suggested that the left ventricle can maintain normal performance at lower intracardial volume (preload) in these patients.