Oral nitroglycerin in angina pectoris--evaluation of effect by computerized exercise testing using two different doses.

The antianginal effects of sustained-released oral nitroglycerin were evaluated in patients with chronic stable angina using a double-blind randomized protocol. Nineteen patients were inducted into the trial and 17 of these completed the study. Two doses of oral nitroglycerin were used; 2.6 mg and 6.5 mg given three times daily for a period of 2 weeks, the patients crossing over to the alternative dose at the end of each period. Evaluation of effect was carried out 2 hours after the morning dose using graded treadmill exercise testing with on-line computer analysis of the electrocardiogram (EKG) (CASE, Marquette Electronics, Inc.). Various exercise parameters were measured and the results compared to placebo values and between the two dosages. The aim was to demonstrate an antianginal effect and to look for a dose-response relationship and for attenuation of effect if any on continued administration. The mean +/- SEM exercise time on placebo was 6.7 +/- 0.6 min, increasing to 8.6 +/- 8 min (p less than 0.02) with 2.6 mg tds dosage and 8.4 +/- 0.7 min (p less than 0.01) with 6.5 mg tds of oral nitroglycerin. None of the other exercise-derived indices were altered significantly by oral nitroglycerin. Two patients were withdrawn because of severe headaches and both were receiving the higher dose. The data did not demonstrate any dose-response relationship but confirmed the anti-anginal efficacy of sustained action oral nitroglycerin. This efficacy did not show any significant attenuation of effect on continued administration, indicating a possible lack of development of tolerance.