Changes in hemodynamic parameters, inotropic state, and myocardial oxygen consumption owing to intravenous application of nitroglycerin.

Changes in hemodynamics, inotropic state, and myocardial oxygen consumptom were investigated in a total of 70 patients with coronary disease after intravenous application of nitroglycerin (0.4 mg., 0.2 mg., and 2 mg. per hour). The results demonstrate that nitroglycerin enlarges therapeutic possibilities during and immediately after operations in patients with limited coronary reserve. The decrease in myocardial oxygen consumption, dependent on dose, ranged between 15.8 and 22.9 per cent.