An open comparison of amiodarone with diltiazem and glyceryl trinitrate in patients with stable exertional angina.

The haemodynamic and electrocardiographic effects of amiodarone, diltiazem, and glyceryl trinitrate (nitroglycerin) were compared in an open study of 18 patients with stable exertional angina using a graded treadmill exercise test. Amiodarone and diltiazem exerted similar antianginal effectiveness as assessed by increases in exercise performance and duration of exercise, as well as decreases in ST-segment depression. The antianginal efficacy of glyceryl trinitrate was somewhat lower than that of the other 2 agents. All the drugs were well tolerated.