[Effects of furosemide on hemodynamic, electrocardiographic, and symptomatic responses to exercise in patients with angina pectoris (author's transl)]

Abstract

In 12 patients with coronary artery disease and typical exercise-induced angina pectoris hemodynamic and ECG studies were performed at rest and during ergometer load in supine position. During the attacks of angina there was a significant ST-depression in all cases accompanied by elevated pulmonary capillary wedge pressures (PCP) and pulmonary artery mean pressures (PAM). Intravenous administration of 40 mg furosemide showed consistent hemodynamic changes. Cardiac output (CO) dropped significantly by 15.9 per cent at rest (p is less than 0.001) and by 6.9 per cent during exercise (p is less than 0.005). The PCP during exercise following furosemide decreased from 32.9 mmHg to 11.8 mm Hg (p is less than 0.001) and was paralleled by a significant decrease of PAM, indicating reduction of ischemia-related hemodynamic impairment. Furthermore, there was a striking improvement of Ecg findings during ergometer load in 9 of 12 patients as well as a relief of anginal pain in 11 of 12 patients. The present demonstration of antianginal properties of furosemide may be explained by the reduction of ventricular volumes and pressures, resulting in a decrease of myocardial wall stress. These effects are suggested to be related to the peripheral venodilator capacity of furosemide in conjunction with its diuretic properties. Thus, in patients with left ventricular dysfunction secondary to ischemia, intravenous furosemide may have salutary effects on myocardial oxygen requirements resembling the action of nitroglycerin, but without its oxygen-wasting effects on tachycardia.