Antianginal effect of nifedipine after intracoronary and intravenous administration judged by reduction of ischemic ST-segment depression in exercise tests.

The purpose of the study was to distinguish between the peripheral and the cardiac mode of action of nifedipine, a drug which inhibits transmembrane calcium transport. To assess the cardiac and peripheral antianginal effect independently, two routes of application were employed: systemic intravenous and intracoronary infusion into the left coronary artery of approximately equipotent doses.