Effectiveness of Calcium Channel Blockers and Nitrates in Inhibition of Spasm of Radial Artery during Coronary Angiography

Abstract

Background: The most common issue with transradial cardiac catheterization is radial artery vasospasm. The patient experiences pain and discomfort as a result, the procedure is prolonged, and the interventionist may even be unable to continue.

Aim: The aim of the study is to determine the effectiveness of Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker and nitrate, when used together to prevent radial artery spasm during coronary angiographies.

Methods: This case control study was held in the Cardiology department of Qazi Hussain Ahmed Medical Complex, Nowshera and Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences for Women PUMHSW (SBA) Nawabshah for six-months duration from July 2021 to December 2021 including 120 cardiac patients undergoing coronary angiography. The patients were selected by non-probability sampling technique. Patients who were enrolled in the study provided written informed consent. Two groups of patients—control (60) and experimental—were formed (60). Heparin/nitrate was administered to one group and labelled as a control group, while heparin/nitrates/verapamil (a calcium channel blocker) was administered to the other group considered as an experimental group. During the angiography procedure, the radial spasm, discomfort, and catheter resistance were assessed in both groups. A predesigned questionnaire was used to collect all other demographic data and patient’s history. SPSS version 23.0 was used to collect and analyse the data.

Results: It was found that 68.3% of cardiac patients were over 50 years old, 41.7% of patients were female, and 58.3% of patients were male. Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, and nitrate did not significantly affect radial spasm, according to this study with a p value of 0.762. According to the study, there was no obvious difference noted in radial spasm, outcome, discomfort, catheter resistance, or procedure time when cases and controls were compared for various variables. However, the test group have a 100% success rate of the procedure compared to the control group's 95%.

Conclusion: Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker when combined with nitrate did not significantly reduce radial spasm during coronary angiography. The theory that calcium channel blockers could prevent radial artery spasm during angiography was nullified. It is best to avoid the financial burden that comes with using calcium channel blockers and nitrate during coronary angiography. Combining nitrate and calcium channel blocker (Verapamil) has no additional advantages.

Keywords: Angiography, catheterization, calcium channel blocker, radial spasm, nitrate, and verapamil are some of the related terms.