[Long-acting nitrate-induced changes in microcirculation and tissue oxygen balance in patients with coronary heart disease].

A total of 56 patients with Functional Class II angina pectoris and 25 healthy subjects were examined. Long-acting nitrates were ascertained to result in profound venular dilatation, slight arteriolar dilatation, moderately decreased erythrocyte aggregation and improvement of tissue oxygen supply. The most marked increase in exercise tolerance and reduction in the frequency of anginal attacks were noted in patients with normal and narrowed venules. There were no significant changes in microcirculation and exercise tolerance in patients with baseline dilated venules. It is concluded that the microvasculature may be one of the criteria for applying long-acting nitrates in patients with coronary heart disease on an individual basis.