Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Testing the Efficacy of Pharmacological Agents in a Pericardial Target Delivery Model in the Swine
Published on: July 7, 2016
Individualized antianginal therapy guided by systemic arterial pressure
1Cardiovascular Research Foundation, Geneva, Switzerland.
Insights
For patients with angina pectoris, avoid antianginal drugs that also lower blood pressure if they have normal or low blood pressure. Nitrates are a safer initial choice for these individuals.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antianginal drugs, excluding nitrates, are commonly used as first-line antihypertensive treatments.
- The impact of pretreatment blood pressure on the antianginal efficacy of these drugs is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the relationship between pretreatment blood pressure and the effectiveness of antianginal drugs.
- To determine appropriate initial antianginal therapy for patients with varying blood pressure levels.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on antianginal and antihypertensive drug classes.
- Analysis of potential risks associated with excessive blood pressure reduction in angina treatment.
Main Results:
- Certain antianginal drugs may worsen ischemic conditions by excessively lowering blood pressure.
- Nitrates demonstrate a favorable profile without significant blood pressure-lowering effects.
Conclusions:
- In normotensive and hypotensive patients with angina, initiating treatment with drugs that do not primarily reduce blood pressure is recommended.
- Nitrates represent a suitable option for initial angina management in these patient groups pending further comparative studies.
Abstract:
All antianginal drugs except nitrates are also first-line antihypertensive drugs. Their antianginal efficacy has not been evaluated in relation to pretreatment blood pressure. They may aggravate ischemia due to excessive reduction in blood pressure. Until the results of direct comparative studies are available, it is advisable to start treatment of angina pectoris in normotensive and hypotensive patients with other drugs that do not primarily decrease blood pressure. Nitrates are a reasonable choice.
Related Concept Videos
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
Angina IV: Management
Angina V: Nursing Management
Atherosclerosis III: Management
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care

