Microperfusion in coronary artery disease under treatment with the calcium antagonist gallopamil.
The calcium antagonistic principle, i.e. the inhibition of calcium influx into the heart muscle cell and smooth muscle cell, in this particular case gallopamil as an example of a drug with this principle of action, can certainly be regarded as one of the most important concepts in modern coronary therapy. On account of the increase of myocardial perfusion, which is ascribed to this calcium antagonist, gallopamil may be administered as an adjunct to postoperative therapy. It is even a drug alternative to bypass grafting. Previous investigations of the ST segment and subjective ischemic parameters have not always shown coherent findings. The purpose of this study was to objectify clinical improvement after therapy with gallopamil (Procorum) by means of reliable methods and reproducible measurements. Myocardial perfusion was analysed in 31 patients by longitudinal tomoscintigraphy before and after therapy with 2 x 2 mg gallopamil intravenously and 6 weeks at 3 x 50 mg/d orally followed by placebo control. The computerized circumferential mapping of impulse rates showed a significant increase of impulse density in ischemic segments after both intravenous and oral therapy with gallopamil.
Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Berlin, Charlottenburg, West Germany.
H
H
Eichstädt
O
O
Danne
M
M
Gutmann
M
M
Langer
R
R
Felix
H
H
Schmutzler
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000517:prevention & control; D003326:Coronary Circulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D005711:Gallopamil / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006321:Heart / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging
D005711:Gallopamil