Vasodilators in the management of acute myocardial infarction

Studies provide evidence that pharmacological intervention, in particular nitroglycerin infusion, can reduce infarct size. Although the mechanisms of action appear complex, they probably relate to a decrease in myocardial oxygen demands and an increase in collateral flow. It also seems apparent that conclusions derived from these studies cannot be directly applied to other vasodilators in that such drugs are not a homogeneous group of compounds. Rather, each vasodilator must be evaluated independently as to whether or not it is capable of both improving hemodynamic function and decreasing ischemic injury.