Hemodynamic effects of molsidomine at rest and during submaximal and maximal exercise in patients with coronary artery disease limited by exertional angina pectoris

To analyze the mechanisms of action of molsidomine, a new antianginal drug, 10 patients with coronary artery disease and exertional angina pectoris were studied. Hemodynamic measurements were made at rest, during submaximal exercise and during angina-limited exercise before and 1 hour after intravenous administration of 2 mg of molsidomine. When angina pectoris was prevented after the drug was given (6 of 10 patients), the exercise intensity was increased until the recurrence of angina (3 patients) or until exhaustion (3 patients), and hemodynamic data were recorded at this higher exercise capacity. At rest and during submaximal exercise, molsidomine increased heart rate and decreased cardiac output and mean systemic and pulmonary arterial pressures. The prevention of angina pectoris was attended by lower mean systemic and pulmonary arterial pressures and pressure-rate product; cardiac output and heart rate were unchanged. The greater exercise capacity (+26 percent) after molsidomine was attended by increases in maximal cardiac output (+19 percent) and in arteriovenous oxygen difference (+6 percent); the maximal pressure-rate product was unchanged and systemic vascular resistance was lower. The mechanisms of action of molsidomine are very similar to those of nitrates and imply a decrease in venous and arterial tone. Molsidomine deserves further study in patients with angina or congestive heart failure.