Effect of slow-release ISDN on cardiac function in patients with coronary heart disease during bicycle ergometry.

In 10 patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), the effect of a single doses of slow-release isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) on cardiac function was investigated. Haemo-dynamics was examined by right heart catheterization and thermodilution measurement of cardiac output. After placebo and after 2 and 6 hours with 40 mg ISDN, the heart rate (HR), cardiac index (CI), pressure values in the pulmonary artery (PASP, PAMP, PAEDP) and in the aorta (AoSP, AoMP, AoEDP) and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) were measured at rest and during bicycle ergometry. At rest, PASP and PAMP were significantly reduced only 6 hours after ISDN. Under exercise conditions, significantly reduced pressure values in the pulmonary artery were found 2 and 6 hours after ISDN. AoSP was likewise reduced 2 and 6 hours after ISDN. HR, CI and SVR showed no significant differences compared with placebo values. Thus, an effective reduction of left ventricular preload and afterload was seen in patients with CHD during bicycle ergometry.