Effect of sustained release diltiazem (Diltiazem-R) in patients with stable effort angina
Kaku, T.; Himeno, E.; Nakashima, Y.; Kuroiwa, A.
Artery 21(4): 193-207
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0098-6127 PMID: 8830646 Document Number: 430716
Ca++-antagonist is effective not only for variant angina but also for effort angina. The effects of sustained release diltiazem (diltiazem-R) and beta-1-blocker (atenolol) on exercise tolerance were studied in seven patients with stable effort angina in a cross over trial. Diltiazem-R (100mg) or atenolol (50mg) was given once a day, each treatment period lasting for two weeks after a two-week control period. The treadmill exercise test was performed on the last day of each protocol. Both diltiazem-R and atenolol decreased heart rate at rest and the decrease with atenolol was greater than that with diltiazem-R. The systolic blood pressure was unchanged at rest by both drugs. At maximal work levels, atenolol decreased the heart rate and pressure rate product significantly, but diltiazem-R did not. Both diltiazem-R and atenolol significantly prolonged the exercise time (average 137 and 165 seconds respectively), time to onset of 1 mm ST depression (240 and 288 seconds respectively), There was no significant difference in exercise tolerance between diltiazem-R and atenolol. These findings suggest that diltiazem-R, a sustained release Ca++-antagonist, provides beneficial effects in patients with stable effort angina.