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Rapid relief of spontaneous angina by intraventricular diltiazem: systemic and regional coronary haemodynamic

C Vigorito1, A Giordano, N Maurea

  • 1I Cattedra di Medicina Interna, University of Naples, II School of Medicine, Italy.

European Heart Journal
|August 1, 1987
PubMed

Insights

Spontaneous angina during cardiac catheterization was effectively treated with diltiazem. This calcium channel blocker increased blood flow to the heart muscle, relieving chest pain in a patient with coronary artery disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Coronary artery disease (CAD) can lead to myocardial ischemia and angina.
  • Spontaneous angina during cardiac procedures is a rare but serious complication.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of spontaneous angina during cardiac catheterization.
  • To investigate the mechanism of angina relief with diltiazem.

Main Methods:

  • A patient with left anterior descending and circumflex stenosis experienced spontaneous angina during catheterization.
  • Diltiazem (10 mg) was administered into the left ventricle.
  • Coronary and systemic hemodynamics were monitored.

Main Results:

  • Diltiazem promptly relieved the spontaneous angina.
  • Hemodynamic measurements showed increased blood flow to the ischemic myocardium.
  • This suggests enhanced perfusion was the mechanism of relief.

Conclusions:

  • Diltiazem can effectively manage spontaneous angina during cardiac catheterization.
  • Increased coronary blood flow is a key mechanism for diltiazem's therapeutic effect in this context.

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