Haemodynamic effects of slow-release nifedipine in severe congestive heart failure due to ischaemic heart disease.

Haemodynamic effects of nifedipine (NIF) tablets were studied for 12 h in 10 patients with severe congestive heart failure due to ischaemic heart disease. A significant reduction (p less than 0.001) in systemic and pulmonary vascular resistances and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, was observed, at rest and after hand grip exercise, while cardiac index and stroke volume index increased significantly (p less than 0.001). Reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and increases in heart rate were hardly significant. Variations were found between 8 and 10 h (confidence interval). The maximum NIF plasma concentration was 33.3 +/- 27.2 ng/ml after 6 h. The improvement in cardiac performance produced by NIF tablets was of substantial duration with twice-daily administration.