[Clinical usefulness of high-dose oral nitroglycerin in patients with stable angina pectoris]. / Przydatnosc kliniczna nitrogliceryny w wysokiej dawce doustnej u chorych ze stabilna dlawica piersiowa.

The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical efficacy and adverse effects of nitroglycerin 15 mg in slow-release form (N-15) after single ingestion. In randomized, double-blind and placebo (P) controlled with cross-over design study 15 male patients with stable angina received N-15 or P. Antianginal efficacy of the drug was evaluated by analysing the parameters of tolerance of effort and coronary reserve taken from serial exercise stress tests on treadmill performed preceding single oral ingestion, 2 hours and 6 hours after. Simple hemodynamic parameters were also evaluated in the rest and during exercise. N-15 significantly improved in comparison to P: total walking time both after 2 hours by 34.3% (p < 0.01) and 6 hours by 23.1% (p < 0.01); walking time to angina after 2 hours by 34.8% (p < 0.01) and 6 hours by 21.7% (p < 0.05), and walking time to ischemia after 2 hours by 66.1% (p < 0.01) and 6 hours by 39.0% (p < 0.05). N-15 significantly increased the rest heart rate in standing position 2 hours after ingestion by 12.3% (p < 0.01) and decreased rest systolic blood pressure in both positions 2 hours after ingestion: in supine by 12.9% (p < 0.01) and standing by 16.3% (p < 0.01) and after 6 hours: in supine by 9.1% (p < 0.05) and standing by 10.0% (p < 0.05). No postural hypotension in any patient occurred. Diastolic blood pressure was significantly decreased only in standing position 2 hours after N-15 ingestion by 12.3% (p < 0.01) and after 6 hours by 9.1% (p < 0.05). During maximal exercise significant reduction of systolic blood pressure occurred 2 hours after ingestion and significant reduction of diastolic blood pressure occurred both 2 hours and 6 hours after ingestion. Adverse effects after single ingestion of N-15 were the few: the headaches were presented only in 4 patients (27%), and in 53% patients any adverse effect occurred. Nitroglycerin 15 mg in slow-release form is an active coronary drug, effective not less than 6 hours after ingestion, and its adverse effects are the few.

[Prognostic value of exercise tests performed 3 months after coronary artery grafting in evaluation cardiac events. 6 years follow-up]. / Prognostyczna wartosc próby wysilkowej wykonanej w 3 miesiace po operacji wszczepienia pomostów aortalno-wiencowych w ocenie zdarzen sercowych. Obserwacja 6-letnia.

Prognostic value of exercise test in evaluation of cardiac events were examined in 326 pts after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). During 6 years follow up 18 (5.5%) cardiac deaths and 23 (7.1%) myocardial infarctions were observed. Chest pains persisted in 116 pts (35.6%) and 37 (11.3%) pts needed hospital treatment. Coronary and bypass angiography were performed in 25 pts (7.7%) followed by PTCA in 8 pts (2.5%) and CABG in 5 (1.5%) pts. Exercise duration and maximal work capacity in exercise tests were significantly lower in pts with cardiac events. Reasons of exercise termination: ST segment depression, heart rate and blood pressure values were not different in pts with and without cardiac events and didn't have prognostic value. Patients with cardiac events had significantly reduced left ventricle function. The value of ejection fraction influenced significantly relative risk of cardiac death (p < 0.05).