[Transcutaneous application of nitroglycerin and isosorbide dinitrate versus placebo: effect in myocardial ischemia].

The effect of nitroglycerin ointment (30 mg) and isosorbide dinitrate ointment (100 mg) versus placebo on exercise capacity has been investigated in 12 patients. All had angina pectoris and coronary artery disease documented by coronary angiography. Nitroglycerin and isosorbide dinitrate ointment produced a significant increase in exercise capacity, without any significant difference in the beneficial effect of the two. Stress-induced changes of the ST-segment in the electrocardiogram decreased by 65% after nitroglycerin ointment and by 41% after isosorbide dinitrate ointment, compared to placebo. These results indicate that nitroglycerin and isosorbide dinitrate ointment reduce stress-induced myocardial ischemia at similar work loads.