Effect of Nifedipine (Adalat®) on Coronary Haemodynamics in Patients with Coronary Arteriosclerotic Disease

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Effects of the new Ca2+ antagonist nifedipine (Adalat) on coronary hemodynamics were studied in 8 patients with documented ischemic heart disease. The continuous infusion thermodilution technique was used to measure cardiac venous blood flow. Sublingual application of 10 mg nifedipine caused a significant increase (16%) in myocardial blood flow and a decrease (18%) in coronary arteriolar resistance at rest, but not during a submaximal atrial pacing test. There was no change in coronary arteriovenous O2 difference, myocardial O2 consumption, O2 consumption per unit of heart rate blood pressure index or left ventricular efficiency index. The effects on the coronary hemodynamics were discussed in relation to the simultaneous changes in general hemodynamics. Systolic aortic pressure was slightly reduced, significantly only at rest. Peripheral vascular resistance decreased and cardiac output increased also during atrial pacing. No change in free fatty acid metabolism was observed. Nifedipine is a mild coronary vasodilator. No effect was observed on myocardial O2 demand. The O2 cost of left ventricular work was unchanged by the drug both at rest and during the submaximal stress test.