Abstract

Controversy currently exists regarding the use of diltiazem in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), due to conflicting results from clinical trials and animal studies. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the changes in the hemostatic profile during AMI following low dose intracoronary diltiazem infusion. Fourteen Yorkshire swine underwent thoracotomy and 50 min LAD occlusion, followed by 3 h of reperfusion. The first group (n=8) received 2.5 mg of diltiazem intracoronary at a rate of 5.6 μgkgmin−1 at the onset of reperfusion. The second group (n=6) received 0.9% saline intracoronary at the onset of reperfusion and served as the control. The dynamics of plasma antithrombin-III (AT-III), Protein C, total Protein S, fibronectin, endothelin-1 (ET-1), and the stable metabolites of thromboxane (TxB2) and prostacyclin (6-keto- PGF1a) were determined at baseline, then twice during occlusion and finally three times during reperfusion. Diltiazem infusion resulted in diminished ET-1 (34.5%), fibronectin (23.2%), and TxB2 (35.6%); and elevated Protein C (29.3%) when compared with controls. We conclude that intracoronary diltiazem favorably influences hemostasis during AMI in swine. The cardioprotective effects of diltiazem during AMI may be related to the improved hemostatic profile and the reduced incidence of thrombotic complications in such patients.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.