EFFECTS OF 200-300 MG SR DILTIAZEM ON HEA RT-RATE - RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF 7 STUDIES CONDUCTED IN 2066 ANGINA OR HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS

The prognostic value of heart rate in cardiovascular disease has recen tly been emphasized, The effect on survival of antihypertensive and an tiischemic drugs may be partially related to their chronotropic effect . This analysis aimed at assessing the effect on heart rate of 200 mg and 300 mg sustained-release (SR) diltiazem once daily. A retrospectiv e analysis was performed from 6 double blind studies in angina (n = 2) or hypertension (n = 4) and one large open study in hypertension. The se studies included 2066 patients of whom 1645 received SR diltiazem. Heart rate was evaluated before and after 34 (7-42) days of treatment, Mean decreases in resting heart rate ranged from -2.2 +/- 10.2 bpm to -6.1 +/- 10.1 bpm according to SR diltiazem dosage and underlying dis ease, Heart rate values at baseline and at predetermined levels of exe rcise were significantly lower on SR diltiazem than on placebo, and ad aptation of heart rate at exercise was maintained. A descriptive analy sis on data in arterial hypertension also suggests that changes in res ting heart rate were greater when baseline heart rate was elevated, In conclusion, 200-300 mg SR diltiazem once daily has a mode-rate and co ntrolled heart rate lowering effect. This is associated with good tole rance and exercise performance and probably contributes to the cardiop rotective effects of diltiazem.