Experts' Consensus on Use of Long-Acting Nitroglycerine in the Management of Angina and Chronic Coronary Syndrome in India

Abstract

Aim: To address the existing gaps in knowledge about long-acting nitroglycerine (LA-NTG) and provide recommendations to address these issues.

Methodology: Approved LA-NTG questionnaire that included 17 questions related to the role of LA-NTG in the management of angina and chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) was shared with 150 expert cardiologists from different regions from India. Results of these survey questionnaires were further discussed in 12 regional level meetings. The opinions and suggestions from all the meetings were compiled and analyzed. Further, recommendations were made with the help of attending national cardiology experts and a consensus statement was derived.

Results: This is the first consensus on LA-NTG, summarizing the clinical evidence from India and suggesting recommendations based on these data. The experts recommended early use of LA-NTG as a first-line antianginal therapy in combination with beta-blocker since it improves exercise tolerance in patients with CCS. A strong consensus was observed for using LA-NTG in patients with co-morbid hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease and post-percutaneous coronary intervention angina. As a part of cardiac rehabilitation, LA-NTG allows patients with angina to exercise to a greater functional capacity.

Conclusions: A national consensus was observed for several aspects of LA-NTG in the management of angina and CCS. The clinical experience of the experts confirmed an extremely satisfied patient perception about the efficacy of LA-NTG.