[Effects of diltiazem in acute and long-term administration]

In 16 patients with unstable angina pectoris haemodynamic and clinical effects of diltiazem were investigated. In a second group patients (n = 11) with unstable or therapy-refractory course the long-term effect was tested. The acute intervention with injected and infused diltiazem via an improved oxygen balance due to decreased minute work and reduced product of cardiac frequency and pressure stabilized the clinical picture from the haemodynamic aspect. The decreases of the ST segment were significantly lower. In the long-term use a significant influence on the frequency of angina pectoris with increase of the range of efficacy by one NYHA-state was the result. Diltiazem can be regarded as alternative medicament in unstable phases and in therapy-refractory courses of the chronic coronary heart disease.