Effects of Nicorandil on the Clinical and Laboratory Outcomes of Unstable Angina Patients after Coronary Angioplasty

Introduction: Ischemic preconditioning mediated by potassium channels is a physiological protective mechanism. It is hypothesized that Nicorandil, which is a potassium channel activator, could protect the heart via preconditioning. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 162 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in Quem hospital, from January 2013 to January 2014,patients divided into two groups. The first group received standard treatment plus Nicorandil (10 mg, twice daily) for three days before and after angioplasty. The second group received standard treatment after PCI. Results: Cardiac enzyme levels were significantly lower in the Nicorandil group at 6 and 12 hours after angioplasty,( p value =0.001) while no significant differences were observed in the symptoms and four-month prognosis of the study groups(p value=0.8). Conclusion: It is recommended that a randomized clinical trial be conducted for the close evaluation of the effects of Nicorandil on unstable angina patients.