Effect of diltiazem slow-release formulation on silent myocardial ischemia in stable coronary artery disease. The Canadian Multicenter Diltiazem Study Group.
Silent myocardial ischemia is associated with adverse outcome in several subsets of coronary artery disease patients. This article presents results of a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study of the effects of sustained-release diltiazem (180 mg twice daily) on ischemic episodes in 60 patients with documented coronary artery disease. The mean age of the study population was 60 years and 93% were male. The mean number of episodes of silent ischemia per patient was 5.6 (placebo) and 2.8 (diltiazem), a 50% reduction (p less than 0.0001). Duration of ST-segment depression was 119 minutes (placebo) and 67 minutes (diltiazem), a 44% reduction (p less than 0.001). This study demonstrates that sustained-release diltiazem can significantly reduce the frequency and total duration of silent ischemic episodes.
Juneau
M
M
Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute, Quebec, Canada.
Théroux
P
P
Waters
D
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004110:Diltiazem / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015716:Electrocardiography, Ambulatory / Q000187:drug effects; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004110:Diltiazem