[Vasodilator therapy in pulmonary hypertension and chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). Hemodynamic studies exemplified by nifedipine and nitroglycerin].

In 41 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary hypertension, the effects of sublingual administration of 20 mg nifedipine and 0.8 mg nitroglycerin on the hemodynamics were assessed at rest and during bicycle ergometry. Additionally, in six patients, the effects of nifedipine during longterm treatment were analyzed. On acute testing, at rest and during exercise nifedipine led to decreases in mean pulmonary artery pressure of 16% and 23% and pulmonary arteriolar resistance of 23 and 35%, respectively, in 81% (17/21) of the patients. The reduction in the pulmonary vascular resistance was greater than that of the systemic resistance. In all patients, cardiac output increased. There was a similar number of responders to nitroglycerin (16/20). The reductions in mean pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary arteriolar resistance ranging between 20 and 25% at rest and during exercise were comparable to those affected by nifedipine. In addition to the right ventricular afterload reduction, there was a decrease in cardiac output of 17%. During longterm treatment with nifedipine (average 18 months), the reduction in mean pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary arteriolar resistance was not of the same magnitude as seen on acute testing. This may be due primarily to progression of the underlying disease since pulmonary function studies demonstrated an increase in the obstructive component. With the intention of circumventing or postponing the onset of right ventricular failure, the individual patient should undergo hemodynamic studies to delineate the optimal medication.