Cardiovascular effects of nitroglycerin and perhexiline in dogs with myocardial ischemia.

Cardiovascular effects of nitroglycerin, perhexiline and the combination of these two drugs were studied in dogs with myocardial ischemia. Nitroglycerin decreased arterial blood pressure and O2 consumption (MVO2), although heart rate increased. Perhexiline decreased blood pressure, heart rate, MVO2 and modified the tachycardia and the hypotensive actions of nitroglycerin without altering the ability of nitroglycerin to reduce MVO2. These data show that the pharmacologic actions of nitroglycerin in the treatment of ischemic heart disease are enhanced when given in combination with perhexiline or similar calcium antagonists.