Coronary spasm management with verapamil (Isoptin)

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Coronary artery spasm causes recurrent chest pain.
• Patients with spasm often lack severe atherosclerotic obstructions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate verapamil's efficacy in treating coronary artery spasm.
• To assess the effectiveness of verapamil in preventing angina attacks.

Main Methods:

• An open trial involving 17 patients with documented coronary artery spasm.
• Patients received verapamil doses ranging from 120 to 480 mg/day.
• Thirteen patients also received isosorbide dinitrate (30 mg/day).

Main Results:

• Eleven patients (65%) became asymptomatic.
• Four patients (23%) experienced a marked reduction in attack frequency.
• Two patients (12%) did not respond to the treatment.

Conclusions:

• Verapamil is effective in preventing angina attacks caused by coronary artery spasm.
• The medication offers a viable treatment option for patients with this condition.