The new calcium antagonist, the dihydropyridine derivative isradipine (Lomir, Sandoz) is used above all in the treatment of hypertension. During oesophageal stimulation the authors proved its very favourable effect also in patients with coronary insufficiency during exertion. A single oral dose of 7.5 mg of isradipine led in all 14 examined patients to increased tolerance of exertion; in 36% of the patients after administration of the drug coronary insufficiency was no longer found. In the remaining patients the incidence of coronary insufficiency was shifted to higher frequencies. The authors recorded a drop of systolic and diastolic pressure during exertion, during rest as well as during recovery. No undesirable effects nor hypertension were present. The drug is a useful preparation in particular in hypertonic patients with angina on exertion.

Keywords: Aged; Angina Pectoris /physiopathology/; Calcium Channel Blockers /pharmacology/; Cardiac Pacing, Artificial; Electrocardiography; Female; Hemodynamics /drug effects/; Humans; Isradipine; Male; Middle Aged; Pyridines /pharmacology/