Evaluation of effects of nitroglycerin therapy by echocardiography

Echocardiography (Echo) is a convenient method in diagnosing and in quantification of cardiac abnormalities, although dependent on registration quality. M-mode and two-dimensional Echo give adequate information regarding heart dimensions and cavity volume but only indirect information of pressures. M-mode Echo gives an ideal opportunity to study left ventricular wall motion as an expression of systolic and diastolic function. Both inter and intra patient comparisons will be possible to perform. Improved wall function after intake of nitroglycerin and other nitrate preparations, has been reported in Echo studies both in resting state and in induced acute myocardial ischemia during exercise in man or in acute coronary occlusion in dogs.