Plasma nitroglycerin levels, blood pressure and apical heart rate variations to site of application of nitroglycerin ointment.

The purpose of this study was to observe changes in plasma nitroglycerin levels, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and apical heart rate after the administration of nitroglycerin ointment to selected sites. The sample consisted of 15 subjects with a diagnosis of coronary artery disease. The four application sites used were the fifth intercostal space of the left anterior chest, medial aspect of the left upper arm, medial aspect of the left thigh, and medial aspect of the left lower leg. There was no statistically significant difference in plasma nitroglycerin levels and diastolic blood pressure to site of application. Mean systolic blood pressure was significantly lower (p less than 0.05) for the upper arm and anterior chest sites than for the thigh and ankle at both 75 and 90 minutes. Mean heart rate was significantly higher (p less than 0.05) for the anterior chest than for the ankle at 45 and 60 minutes.