Effect of Diltiazem, a New Anti-Ca⁺⁺ Agent, on Left Ventricular Function in Patients with and without Angina Pectoris

The effect of diltiazem hydrochloride on left ventricular function has been examined in patients with and without angina pectoris. Left ventricular volume and function were measured by ultrasonic analogue conversion system. In 12 patients without angina pectoris, a fall in systemic blood pressure, a decrease in heart rate, no change in EDVI, an increase in ESVI, decreases in CI, EF, endocardial mean Vcf, normailized mean systolic ejection rate, SWI, and W/min while no change in systemic vascular resistance were observed following the intravenous injections of 40 mug/Kg of the agent. In 10 patients with angina pectoris, decreases in EDVI and ESVI, no change in CI, a tendency of increases in EF, endocardial mean Vcf, and normalized mean systolic ejection rate were observed following the administrations of the same dose. Changes in systemic blood pressure, heart rate, SWI, W/min, and systemic vascular resistance were the same as those in patients without angina pectoris. The results indicate diltiazem-induced reduction in left ventricular function in patients without angina pectoris whereas improvement in left ventricular function in patients with angina pectoris.