Isosorbide dinitrate and nifedipine in variant angina pectoris

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Variant angina is characterized by coronary vasospasm.
• Isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) is a nitrate used for angina management.
• Calcium antagonists are another class of drugs used for cardiovascular conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of combining ISDN with a calcium antagonist for variant angina.
• To compare the effects of ISDN and nifedipine in patients with variant angina.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, double-blind, crossover trial involving 19 patients with variant angina.
• Patients received varying doses of ISDN and nifedipine.
• Quantitative angiography was used to assess vasodilator potency.

Main Results:

• Both ISDN and nifedipine were effective in controlling vasospastic angina.
• Individual patient responses varied between the two drugs.
• Intracoronary nitroglycerin demonstrated greater vasodilator potency than sublingual nifedipine.

Conclusions:

• Combination therapy with ISDN and calcium antagonists is a rational and effective treatment for variant angina.
• This combination enhances coronary blood flow and improves long-term prognosis.
• The synergistic action of nitrates and calcium antagonists may prevent coronary vasospasm.