Hemodynamic Effects of Intravenous Nisoldipine and Nitroglycerin in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

In a biometrically planned, controlled group comparison study comprising 12 patients with angiographically verified coronary heart disease, we determined the effects of a single IV dose of nisoldipine ( 6 µg/kg body weight) on hemodynamic parameters at rest and during bicycle exercise and compared these results with those recorded after a single IV dose of nitroglycerin (0.5 mg). Informed consent was obtained, and each patient underwent conventional cardiac catheterization with coronary angiography and complete hemodynamic studies in the pulmonary vascular bed and systemic circulation. After a stabilization period and determination of baseline hemodynamic parameters for purposes of profile analysis, a standardized bicycle exercise test was performed until chest pain developed or characteristic ST-segment depression was documented. Study parameters were recorded with repeat determinations after 30 min. Following injection of the test medication, study parameters were again recorded at baseline, after bicycle exercise, and after recovery.