Effects of calcium antagonists on the pattern of intracardiac hemodynamics and functional state of the myocardium in patients with angina pectoris relapsing after aortocoronary bypass operation

: The hemodynamic pattern of the antianginal effects of calcium antagonists was examined in 111 patients with Functional Classes II-IV angina pectoris relapsing on an average of 36.7 +/- 1.1 months following aortocoronary bypass surgery, as evidenced by radionuclide ventriculography performed in the acute drug test with finoptin and corinfar. The clinical and functional status improved in 49 patients on finoptin and in 62 on corinfar. In three fourths, the efficacy of finoptin was achieved by decreased myocardial diastolic stiffness and only in a fourth, it was due to lower afterload. In three fourths, the efficacy of corinfar was attained by the action of the vascular component and only in a fourth, it was attributable to its effects on diastolic relaxation--to its direct action on the myocardium.