Skip to main content
British Heart Journal logoLink to British Heart Journal
. 1977 Jul;39(7):706–720. doi: 10.1136/hrt.39.7.706

Vasodilator treatment for acute and chronic heart failure.

K Chatterjee, W W Parmley
PMCID: PMC483307  PMID: 884021

Abstract

The current status of the use of vasodilator drugs in the treatment of acute and chronic heart failure has been reviewed. It is apparent that vasodilator treatment can be used effectively in some patients with heart failure with a beneficial haemodynamics response, and that vasodilator agents are likely to find an important place in the management of such patients. Vasodilator treatment may be associated with complications and must be used with care. Though several nonparenteral vasodilator agents have been investigated, no ideal drug is yet available for the treatment of chronic heart failure. Nevertheless, it is probable that suitable drugs will emerge and find an important place in the management of such patients.

Full text

PDF
706

Images in this article

Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

  1. Armstrong P. W., Walker D. C., Burton J. R., Parker J. O. Vasodilator therapy in acute myocardial infarction. A comparison of sodium nitroprusside and nitroglycerin. Circulation. 1975 Dec;52(6):1118–1122. doi: 10.1161/01.cir.52.6.1118. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  2. BRACHFELD N., BOZER J., GORIN R. Action of nitroglycerin on the coronary circulation in normal and in mild cardiac subjects. Circulation. 1959 May;19(5):697–704. doi: 10.1161/01.cir.19.5.697. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  3. BRAUNWALD E., WELCH G. H., Jr, SARNOFF S. J. Hemodynamic effects of quantitatively varied experimental mitral regurgitation. Circ Res. 1957 Sep;5(5):539–545. doi: 10.1161/01.res.5.5.539. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  4. Bleifeld W., Hanrath P., Mathey D., Merx W. Acute myocardial infarction. V: Left and right ventricular haemodynamics in cardiogenic shock. Br Heart J. 1974 Aug;36(8):822–834. doi: 10.1136/hrt.36.8.822. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  5. Bolen J. L., Alderman E. L. Hemodynamic consequences of afterload reduction in patients with chronic aortic regurgitation. Circulation. 1976 May;53(5):879–883. doi: 10.1161/01.cir.53.5.879. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  6. Borer J. S., Redwood D. R., Levitt B., Cagin N., Bianchi C., Vallin H., Epstein S. E. Reduction in myocardial ischemia with nitroglycerin or nitroglycerin plus phenylephrine administered during acute myocardial infarction. N Engl J Med. 1975 Nov 13;293(20):1008–1012. doi: 10.1056/NEJM197511132932002. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  7. Chatterjee K. Editorial: Vasodilator therapy for heart failure. Ann Intern Med. 1975 Sep;83(3):421–423. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-83-3-421. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  8. Chatterjee K., Parmley W. W., Ganz W., Forrester J., Walinsky P., Crexells C., Swan H. J. Hemodynamic and metabolic responses to vasodilator therapy in acute myocardial infarction. Circulation. 1973 Dec;48(6):1183–1193. doi: 10.1161/01.cir.48.6.1183. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  9. Chatterjee K., Parmley W. W., Massie B., Greenberg B., Werner J., Klausner S., Norman A. Oral hydralazine therapy for chronic refractory heart failure. Circulation. 1976 Dec;54(6):879–883. doi: 10.1161/01.cir.54.6.879. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  10. Chatterjee K., Parmley W. W., Swan H. J., Berman G., Forrester J., Marcus H. S. Beneficial effects of vasodilator agents in severe mitral regurgitation due to dysfunction of subvalvar apparatus. Circulation. 1973 Oct;48(4):684–690. doi: 10.1161/01.cir.48.4.684. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  11. Chatterjee K., Parmley W. W. The role of vasodilator therapy in heart failure. Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 1977 Jan-Feb;19(4):301–325. doi: 10.1016/0033-0620(77)90006-8. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  12. Chatterjee K., Swan H. J., Kaushik V. S., Jobin G., Magnusson P., Forrester J. S. Effects of vasodilator therapy for severe pump failure in acute myocardial infarction on short-term and late prognosis. Circulation. 1976 May;53(5):797–802. doi: 10.1161/01.cir.53.5.797. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  13. Chatterjee K., Swan H. J. Vasodilator therapy in acute myocardial infarction. Mod Concepts Cardiovasc Dis. 1974 Nov;43(11):119–124. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  14. Cohn J. N., Mathew K. J., Franciosa J. A., Snow J. A. Chronic vasodilator therapy in the management of cardiogenic shock and intractable left ventricular failure. Ann Intern Med. 1974 Dec;81(6):777–780. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-81-6-777. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  15. Come P. C., Flaherty J. T., Baird M. G., Rouleau J. R., Weisfeldt M. L., Greene H. L., Becker L., Pitt B. Reversal by phenylephrine of the beneficial effects of intravenous nitroglycerin in patients with acute myocardial infarction. N Engl J Med. 1975 Nov 13;293(20):1003–1007. doi: 10.1056/NEJM197511132932001. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  16. Delius W., Enghoff E. Studies of the central and peripheral hemodynamic effects of amyl nitrite in patients with aortic insufficiency. Circulation. 1970 Nov;42(5):787–796. doi: 10.1161/01.cir.42.5.787. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  17. FAM W. M., MCGREGOR M. EFFECT OF CORONARY VASODILATOR DRUGS ON RETROGRADE FLOW IN AREAS OF CHRONIC MYOCARDIAL ISCHEMIA. Circ Res. 1964 Oct;15:355–364. doi: 10.1161/01.res.15.4.355. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  18. FROHLICH E. D., SCOTT J. B. The local effect of glyceryl trinitrate, nitrite, papaverine, and atropine upon coronary vascular resistance. Am Heart J. 1962 Mar;63:362–366. doi: 10.1016/0002-8703(62)90280-6. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  19. Flaherty J. T., Reid P. R., Kelly D. T., Taylor D. R., Weisfeldt M. L., Pitt B. Intravenous nitroglycerin in acute myocardial infarction. Circulation. 1975 Jan;51(1):132–139. doi: 10.1161/01.cir.51.1.132. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  20. Fortuin N. J., Kaihara S., Becker L. C., Pitt B. Regional myocardial blood flow in the dog studied with radioactive microspheres. Cardiovasc Res. 1971 Jul;5(3):331–336. doi: 10.1093/cvr/5.3.331. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  21. Franciosa J. A., Limas C. J., Guiha N. H., Rodriguera E., Cohn J. N. Improved left ventricular function during nitroprusside infusion in acute myocardial infarction. Lancet. 1972 Mar 25;1(7752):650–654. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(72)90460-6. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  22. Franciosa J. A., Mikulic E., Cohn J. N., Jose E., Fabie A. Hemodynamic effects of orally administered isosorbide dinitrate in patients with congestive heart failure. Circulation. 1974 Nov;50(5):1020–1024. doi: 10.1161/01.cir.50.5.1020. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  23. GORLIN R., BRACHFELD N., MACLEOD C., BOPP P. Effect of nitroglycerin on the coronary circulation in patients with coronary artery disease or increased left ventricular work. Circulation. 1959 May;19(5):705–718. doi: 10.1161/01.cir.19.5.705. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  24. Ganz W., Marcus H. S. Failure of intracoronary nitroglycerin to alleviate pacing-induced angina. Circulation. 1972 Nov;46(5):880–889. doi: 10.1161/01.cir.46.5.880. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  25. Gold H. K., Leinbach R. C., Sanders C. A. Use of sublingual nitroglycerin in congestive failure following acute myocardial infarction. Circulation. 1972 Nov;46(5):839–845. doi: 10.1161/01.cir.46.5.839. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  26. Goodman D. J., Rossen R. M., Holloway E. L., Alderman E. L., Harrison D. C. Effect of nitroprusside on left ventricular dynamics in mitral regurgitation. Circulation. 1974 Nov;50(5):1025–1032. doi: 10.1161/01.cir.50.5.1025. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  27. Gould L., Reddy C. V., Blatt C. J., Gomprecht R. F., Hayt D. B. Effects of phentolamine on coronary blood flow in patients with recent myocardial infarction. Br Heart J. 1975 Jun;37(6):647–651. doi: 10.1136/hrt.37.6.647. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  28. Gould L., Reddy C. V., Kalanithi P., Espina L., Gomprecht R. F. Use of phentolamine in acute myocardial infarction. Am Heart J. 1974 Aug;88(2):144–148. doi: 10.1016/0002-8703(74)90003-9. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  29. Gould L., Zahir M., Ettinger S. Phentolamine and cardiovascular performance. Br Heart J. 1969 Mar;31(2):154–162. doi: 10.1136/hrt.31.2.154. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  30. Gray R., Chatterjee K., Vyden J. K., Ganz W., Forrester J. S., Swan H. J. Hemodynamic and metabolic effects of isosorbide dinitrate in chronic congestive heart failure. Am Heart J. 1975 Sep;90(3):346–352. doi: 10.1016/0002-8703(75)90324-5. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  31. Guiha N. H., Cohn J. N., Mikulic E., Franciosa J. A., Limas C. J. Treatment of refractory heart failure with infusion of nitroprusside. N Engl J Med. 1974 Sep 19;291(12):587–592. doi: 10.1056/NEJM197409192911201. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  32. Harshaw C. W., Grossman W., Munro A. B., McLaurin L. P. Reduced systemic vascular resistance as therapy for severe mitral regurgitation of valvular origin. Ann Intern Med. 1975 Sep;83(3):312–316. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-83-3-312. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  33. Kelly D. T., Delgado C. E., Taylor D. R., Pitt B., Ross R. S. Use of phentolamine in acute myocardial infarction associated with hypertension and left ventricular failure. Circulation. 1973 Apr;47(4):729–735. doi: 10.1161/01.cir.47.4.729. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  34. Kerber R. E., Abboud F. M. Effect of alterations of arterial blood pressure and heart rate on segmental dyskinesis during acute myocardial ischemia and following coronary reperfusion. Circ Res. 1975 Jan;36(1):145–155. doi: 10.1161/01.res.36.1.145. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  35. Kerber R. E., Marcus M. L., Ehrhardt J., Abboud F. M. Effect of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation on the motion and perfusion of acutely ischemic myocardium. An experimental echocardiographic study. Circulation. 1976 May;53(5):853–859. doi: 10.1161/01.cir.53.5.853. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  36. Killip T., 3rd, Kimball J. T. Treatment of myocardial infarction in a coronary care unit. A two year experience with 250 patients. Am J Cardiol. 1967 Oct;20(4):457–464. doi: 10.1016/0002-9149(67)90023-9. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  37. Luebs E. D., Cohen A., Zaleski E. J., Bing R. J. Effect of nitroglycerin, intensain, isoptin and papaverine on coronary blood flow in man. Measured by the coincidence counting technic and rubidium. Am J Cardiol. 1966 Apr;17(4):535–541. doi: 10.1016/0002-9149(66)90245-1. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  38. Luz P. L., Forrester J. S., Wyatt H. L., Tyberg J. V., Chagrasulis R., Parmley W. W., Swan H. J. Hemodynamic and metabolic effects of sodium nitroprusside on the performance and metabolism of regional ischemic myocardium;. Circulation. 1975 Sep;52(3):400–407. doi: 10.1161/01.cir.52.3.400. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  39. Majid P. A., Sharma B., Taylor S. H. Phentolamine for vasodilator treatment of severe heart-failure. Lancet. 1971 Oct 2;2(7727):719–724. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(71)92098-8. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  40. Mantle J. A., Russell R. O., Jr, Moraski R. E., Rackley C. E. Isosorbide dinitrate for the relief of severe heart failure after myocardial infarction. Am J Cardiol. 1976 Feb;37(2):263–268. doi: 10.1016/0002-9149(76)90322-2. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  41. Mikulic E., Franciosa J. A., Cohn J. N. Comparative hemodynamic effects of chewable isosorbide dinitrate and nitroglycerin in patients with congestive heart failure. Circulation. 1975 Sep;52(3):477–482. doi: 10.1161/01.cir.52.3.477. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  42. Miller R. R., Vismara L. A., Zelis R., Amsterdam E. A., Mason D. T. Clinical use of sodium nitroprusside in chronic ischemic heart disease. Effects on peripheral vascular resistance and venous tone and on ventricular volume, pump and mechanical performance. Circulation. 1975 Feb;51(2):328–336. doi: 10.1161/01.cir.51.2.328. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  43. Milnor W. R. Arterial impedance as ventricular afterload. Circ Res. 1975 May;36(5):565–570. doi: 10.1161/01.res.36.5.565. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  44. Perret C. l., Gardaz J. P., Reynaert M., Grimbert F., Enrico J. F. Phentolamine for vasodilator therapy in left ventricular failure complicating acute myocardial infarction. Haemodynamic study. Br Heart J. 1975 Jun;37(6):640–646. doi: 10.1136/hrt.37.6.640. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  45. Ratshin R. A., Rackley C. E., Russell R. O., Jr Hemodynamic evaluation of left ventricular function in shock complicating myocardial infarction. Circulation. 1972 Jan;45(1):127–139. doi: 10.1161/01.cir.45.1.127. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  46. Rowe G. G., Henderson R. H. Systemic and coronary hemodynamic effects of sodium nitroprusside. Am Heart J. 1974 Jan;87(1):83–87. doi: 10.1016/0002-8703(74)90394-9. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  47. SONNENBLICK E. H. Force-velocity relations in mammalian heart muscle. Am J Physiol. 1962 May;202:931–939. doi: 10.1152/ajplegacy.1962.202.5.931. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  48. Scheidt S., Wilner G., Fillmore S., Shapiro M., Killip T. Objective haemodynamic assessment after acute myocardial infarction. Br Heart J. 1973 Sep;35(9):908–916. doi: 10.1136/hrt.35.9.908. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  49. Shell W. E., Sobel B. E. Protection of jeopardized ischemic myocardium by reduction of ventricular afterload. N Engl J Med. 1974 Sep 5;291(10):481–486. doi: 10.1056/NEJM197409052911001. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  50. Sniderman A. D., Marpole D. G., Palmer W. H., Fallen E. L. Response of the left ventricle to nitroglycerin in patients with and without mitral regurgitation. Br Heart J. 1974 Apr;36(4):357–361. doi: 10.1136/hrt.36.4.357. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  51. Swan H. J., Forrester J. S., Danzig R., Allen H. N. Power failure in acute myocardial infarction. Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 1970 May;12(6):568–600. doi: 10.1016/0033-0620(70)90022-8. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  52. Walinsky P., Chatterjee K., Forrester J., Parmley W. W., Swan H. J. Enhanced left ventricular performance with phentolamine in acute myocardial infarction. Am J Cardiol. 1974 Jan;33(1):37–41. doi: 10.1016/0002-9149(74)90737-1. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  53. Weber K. T., Ratshin R. A., Janicki J. S., Rackley C. E., Russell R. O. Left ventricular dysfunction following acute myocardial infarction. A clinicopathologic and hemodynamic profile of shock and failure. Am J Med. 1973 Jun;54(6):697–705. doi: 10.1016/0002-9343(73)90055-7. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  54. Williams D. O., Amsterdam E. A., Mason D. T. Hemodynamic effects of nitroglycerin in acute myocardial infarction. Circulation. 1975 Mar;51(3):421–427. doi: 10.1161/01.cir.51.3.421. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  55. Wolk M. J., Scheidt S., Killip T. Heart failure complicating acute myocardial infarction. Circulation. 1972 May;45(5):1125–1138. doi: 10.1161/01.cir.45.5.1125. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  56. Zahir M., Gould L. Phentolamine and beta-adrenergic receptors. J Clin Pharmacol New Drugs. 1971 May-Jun;11(3):197–203. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Articles from British Heart Journal are provided here courtesy of BMJ Publishing Group

RESOURCES