[Effect of nitroprusside, nitroglycerin, propranolol and mannitol on the size of a myocardial infarct].

Effects of nitroprusside, nitroglycerin, propranolol and mannitol on the size of infarcted and peri-infarction areas were examined in 276 patients with acute left-ventricular anterior myocardial infarction. The study involved an assessment of electrocardiograms from 35 precordial leads, and the measurement of central venous blood pressure, hemodynamic parameters, serum enzymes, acid-base state and, in some patients, the pressure inside the pulmonary artery, right and left cavities of the heart and the aorta, left-ventricular kinetocardiography, etc. All the drugs examined were shown to have a favourable effect on the size of the peri-infarction area and reduce the extent of myocardial infarction. Indications for each of the drugs have been worked out on a differential basis. A detailed analysis of ECG patterns from multiple chest leads under the action of nitroprusside, nitroglycerin, propranolol and mannitol is presented.