Comparative Assessment of Effects of Isosorbide Dinitrate, Isosorbide-5-Mononitrate and Nicorandil on the Frequency-of Angina Attacks and Vasoregulating Endothelial Function in Patients With Ischemic Heart Disease

to compare effects of isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide-5-mononitrate and nicorandil on frequency of angina attacks and vasoregulating endothelial function in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD). MATERIAL AND METHODS. In 117 patients with stable II-III functional class angina we analyzed frequency of angina attacks, exercise tolerance, data of 24-hour Holter ECG monitoring and brachial artery Doppler study. RESULTS. Patients with IHD had impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation in the form of reduced endothelial response to increase of "shear stress" during test with reactive hyperemia. Long-term therapy with isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide-5-mononitrate, and nicorandil was associated with normalization of endothelium-dependent vasodilation of the brachial artery. This effect was more pronounced during therapy with nicorandil.