Isosorbide 5-Mononitrate in the Treatment of Left Ventricular Failure following Acute Myocardial Infarction

Eleven patients with acute left ventricular failure following acute myocardial infarction (mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure [PCW]>20 20 mmHg) were entered into an open, haemodynamic study of oral isosorbide-5-mononitrate (ISMN). Left ventricular failure was resistant to intravenous diuretic therapy. No patient received concurrent cardioactive drugs nor further diuretic therapy during the study period. Haemodynamic data were acquired via a flow-directed thermodilution catheter placed in the pulmonary artery. Baseline data were acquired prior to the intravenous administration of an ISMN challenge. Thereafter, oral ISMN (20 mg, 8 hourly) was administered over 48 h.