The effect of double dose of omeprazole on the course of angina pectoris and treadmill stress test in patients with coronary artery disease — A randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled, crossover trial

Background Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and coronary artery disease (CAD) frequently overlap, making the proper diagnosis of chest pain more difficult. GER symptoms may mistake anginal chest pain, and oesophageal acidification may induce myocardial ischaemia both in the rest and in the effort. Increase of oesophageal pH should prevent these conditions. Aim To estimate the effect of double omeprazole dose on the course of angina pectoris and treadmill stress test in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), using double-blind, crossover randomised, placebo-controlled study design. Methods We studied 48 patients with angina pectoris symptoms and significant narrowing of coronary vessels in angiography. After baseline examination and treadmill stress test all subjects were randomised to treat either with omeprazole (20 mg b.i.d.) or placebo for 14 days, using a double-blind, crossover placebo controlled design. Results Seventeen (35%) subjects reported more than by half decrease in symptoms severity after omeprazole and 6 (12%) after placebo (p = 0,01). Omeprazole significantly decreased the number of chest pain episodes and number of nitroglycerin doses taken in the second week of both study phases, as well as the percentage of subjects with significant decrease of ST interval during the stress test (64% vs. 73%, p < 0,05). However majority of other stress test parameters (i.e. test duration, DUKE index) have improved both after omeprazole and placebo administration (by 9–38%). Conclusion Double dose of omeprazole significantly decreased symptoms severity in 35% of patients with CAD, as well as frequency of some electrocardiographic signs of myocardial ischaemia during stress test.