High dose nitroglycerin treatment in a patient with cardiac arrest: A case report

Abstract

Introduction. Vasodilators like nitroglycerin or nitroprusside improve hemodynamics in patients with advanced heart failure. However, using these agents in critical conditions is limited because of their ability to decrease systemic blood pressure. Case presentation. We report the rapid effect of high dose intravenous nitroglycerin treatment in an 86-year-old man after cardiac arrest and prolonged resuscitation, together with previous observations and a brief review of the literature. Conclusion. High dose intravenous nitroglycerin can be beneficial in cardiac arrest. © 2009 licensee BioMed Central Ltd.