Effect of sublingual nitroglycerin on ejection fraction and left ventricular asynergy in coronary disease

After sublingual nitroglycerin, the ejection fraction increased at least 8 percent in 10 of 19 patients (53 percent), changed less than 8 percent in 5 of 19 patients (26 percent), and decreased at least 8 percent in 4 of 19 patients (21 percent). After sublingual nitroglycerin, 16 of 21 areas (76 percent) of hypokinesis improved, 2 (10 percent) did not change, and 3 (14 percent) became worse. After sublingual nitroglycerin, 6 of 6 akinetic areas did not change. After sublingual nitroglycerin, 2 of 3 dyskinetic areas did not change and one improved. Left ventriculography performed before and after sublingual nitroglycerin may be useful in predicting viable areas of ischemic myocardium.