[Diltiazem in chronic stable angina].

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Chronic stable angina is a common manifestation of ischemic heart disease.
• Current treatments aim to improve symptoms and exercise tolerance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of diltiazem in patients with chronic stable angina.
• To determine the dose-response relationship of diltiazem on angina frequency and exercise capacity.

Main Methods:

• A single-blind, dose-escalation study was conducted in 10 patients with documented ischemic heart disease.
• Patients received diltiazem at doses of 120, 240, and 360 mg/day.
• A double-blind, randomized crossover phase further assessed the effects of 360 mg/day diltiazem.

Main Results:

• Diltiazem significantly reduced weekly angina frequency in a dose-dependent manner.
• Exercise duration and time to 1 mm ST depression during exercise were significantly increased with diltiazem.
• The time to onset of ischemia during exercise was prolonged with 360 mg/day diltiazem compared to placebo.

Conclusions:

• Diltiazem, at doses ranging from 120 to 360 mg/day, is an effective antianginal agent.
• The drug demonstrated a favorable safety profile with no significant adverse effects observed.
• Diltiazem improves exercise capacity and reduces ischemic events in patients with chronic stable angina.