Open AccessThe effect of oral diltiazem on left ventricular performance in postinfarction patients
Author(s) -
Boström P.Å.,
Lilja B.,
Johansson B. W.,
Meier K.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
clinical cardiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.263
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1932-8737
pISSN - 0160-9289
DOI - 10.1002/clc.4960111103
Subject(s) - medicine , diltiazem , ejection fraction , cardiology , myocardial infarction , ventricular function , cardiac function curve , decompensation , heart failure , calcium
The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of diltiazem on the left ventricular function in postinfarction patients. Twelve patients without cardiac decompensation at rest began diltiazem therapy beginning 3 months after an acute myocardial Q‐wave infarction. Oral diltiazem was administered on the first day in a single dose (120 mg) and the following 2 weeks in a 60 mg three times a day (tid) regimen. The therapeutic effect was studied by isotope angiocardiography at rest using equilibrium measurements with technetium‐99m. Acute as well as continuous treatment improved left ventricular function in terms of increased synergy of the contraction (decreased phase deviation from a median of 20.0° to median of 12.4° and 13.0°, respectively, p<0.01) and increased ejection fraction from a median of 46% to a median of 50% and 51%, respectively, p<0.05. It is suggested that the improvement of left ventricular function may be due in part to decreased pressure rate product. This improved left ventricular function during diltiazem treatment may explain the improved prognosis induced by diltiazem in postinfarction patients.