Impairment of left ventricular diastolic function during the asymptomatic period in vasospastic angina patients without significant coronary stenosis]

We examined whether recurrent transient ischemia may effect left ventricular systolic and diastolic function or not. Left ventricular systolic and diastolic function during the asymptomatic period was studied by gated radionuclide ventriculography (RNV) in 25 patients with vasospastic angina (VA) who had no significant coronary stenosis, in 25 patients with effort angina (EA), and in 20 controls (C). There was no significant difference among patients in all three groups in regards to systolic indices (Ejection Fraction, Peak Ejection Rate). But diastolic indices (Peak Filling Rate, Time to Peak Filling Rate, 1/3 Mean Filling Rate, 1/3 Filling Fraction) were impaired not only in patients with EA but also in patients with VA. The treatment with nitrates and/or Ca antagonist for 6-24 months did not bring about any changes in these data concerning systolic and diastolic function in patients with VA. Thus, it is suggested that the diastolic function is impaired in patients with VA even during the asymptomatic period, though systolic function remains normal. Recurrent transient ischemia may cause irreversible myocardial injury.