Multicenter studies of 2% nitroglycerin ointment in patients with heart failure

Nitroglycerin ointment (NTGO) was applied to the precordial area in 88 patients with heart failure arising from acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or other types of heart disease, and its effects on hemodynamic parameters were determined. After NTGO was applied, patients' systolic blood pressure (P less than 0.001), double product (heart rate X systolic pressure, P less than 0.001), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (P less than 0.001), and systemic vascular resistance (P less than 0.001) decreased significantly. These changes began 30 to 60 minutes after NTGO was applied and lasted two to six hours. Based on these hemodynamic changes, we conclude that NTGO is beneficial for patients with heart failure due to AMI or other heart disease.