[Effect of coronary vasodilator agents on the increase of coronary resistance during ischemia]

Following normothermic cardiac arrest an increase of the coronary resistance and a decrease of the cross section of the coronary arteries have been measured as a function of the duration of the ischaemic period during intermittent coronary perfusion. A significant decrease of the coronary resistance, however, was observed when nitroglycerin or papaverin were perfused during the ischaemic period. This therapeutic procedure may improve myocardial circulation, which is insufficient during the post-ischaemic phase, and provides a better basis for a successful resuscitation of the heart.