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Prevention of cardiovascular events in variant angina by long-term diltiazem therapy
Insights
Diltiazem significantly reduced cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction and sudden death, in patients with variant angina. This therapy was well-tolerated, decreasing angina frequency by 94%.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Variant angina is a serious condition associated with significant cardiovascular events.
- Assessing the long-term efficacy and safety of diltiazem in managing variant angina is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare cardiovascular event rates in patients with variant angina before and during diltiazem therapy.
- To evaluate the impact of diltiazem on angina frequency and patient tolerability.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 43 patients with variant angina was studied.
- Cardiovascular events were tracked during a period of diltiazem therapy and compared to an equal duration prior to treatment.
- Angina frequency and adverse effects were recorded.
Main Results:
- Cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, sudden death, hospitalization for angina) decreased significantly (p < 0.01) during diltiazem therapy.
- There was a 94% reduction in the frequency of angina.
- No patient discontinued therapy due to adverse effects, indicating good tolerability.
Conclusions:
- Long-term diltiazem therapy is effective in reducing cardiovascular events in patients with variant angina.
- Diltiazem offers a safe and well-tolerated treatment option for this patient population.
Abstract:
In 43 patients with variant angina, the cardiovascular event rate during diltiazem therapy was compared with that in an equal time period before initiation of therapy. Cardiovascular events, that is, myocardial infarction, sudden death and hospitalization for prolonged angina, were decreased significantly (p less than 0.01) during the initial 6 months and mean 19.6 months of therapy. Based on the binomial principle, there were 22 events during the mean 19.6 months before therapy and 2 events during the equal time period on therapy. No patient died during follow-up. The frequency of angina was decreased by 94%. Diltiazem was well tolerated by all patients and no patient had to discontinue therapy because of adverse effects. It is concluded that long-term diltiazem therapy reduces cardiovascular events in patients with variant angina.