Analgosedation-enhanced baroreflex sensitivity in acute local myocardial ischaemia

In acute local myocardial ischaemia produced in mongrel dogs, the sensitivity of baroreflex decreased as electrical instability (vulnerability) of cardiac ventricles increased. Simultaneous administration of a benzodiazepine and a powerful analgesic (analgosedation) augmented both baroreflex sensitivity and ventricular fibrillation threshold. Modulation of neurovegetative activation of the heart by drugs in the early stage of ischaemia holds promise as a potential technique of sudden coronary death prevention.