[The effect of oxyfedrine on cardiac performance in coronary patients. Tests using electrocardiographic and metabolic...

In 17 patients with coronary heart disease the effects of the beta-active agent L-3-(beta-hydroxy-alpha-methyl-phenethyl-amino)-3'-methoxy-propiophenone (oxyfedrine, Ildamen) were proved at rest and during atrial pacing by measurements of coronary venous O2-saturation, myocardial lactate extraction, angina threshold and ST-segment depression. In 88% oxyfedrine had antianginal effectivity with rise in angina threshold (+11%), reduction of ST-segment depression (--48%) and reduction of lactate production(--63%). The rise in coronary venous O2-saturation ("35%) and the electrocardiographic and metabolic reduction of hypoxic reaction indicate the improvement of nutritional coronary flow. Therefore improvement of myocardial O2-balance is derived from the reduced energy requirement by decrease of heart size and ventricular wall tension and the rise of myocardial O2-supply by coronary dilation in spite of the increased energy requirement by ascending contractility. Conclusively the application of oxyfedrine is preferred in coronary heart disease with simultaneous congestive heart failure.