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Haemodynamic and electrophysiological effects of amlodipine, a new long-acting calcium antagonist
G W Vetrovec1, S Dailey, G Kay
1Medical College of Virginia, Richmond 23219.
Insights
Amlodipine, an arterial vasodilator, effectively lowers blood pressure in stable angina patients without negatively impacting cardiac function or electrophysiology. This study confirms its safety and efficacy for managing angina pectoris.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Stable angina pectoris is a common condition characterized by chest pain due to myocardial ischemia.
- Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker used for hypertension and angina, but its specific effects on hemodynamics and electrophysiology require detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the hemodynamic and electrophysiological effects of intravenous amlodipine in patients with stable angina pectoris.
- To determine if amlodipine has any negative inotropic effects or impacts cardiac electrical activity.
Main Methods:
- Patients with stable angina received two 10-mg intravenous bolus injections of amlodipine.
- Hemodynamic parameters (blood pressure, cardiac output) and electrophysiological parameters (sinus node recovery time, Wenckebach heart block) were monitored.
Main Results:
- A significant reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure was observed.
- Cardiac output increased, while left ventricular function remained unaltered.
- No significant changes were found in sinus node recovery time or the pacing rate to Wenckebach heart block.
Conclusions:
- Amlodipine acts as a potent arterial vasodilator.
- The drug does not exhibit negative inotropic effects.
- Amlodipine does not adversely affect cardiac electrophysiological function in patients with stable angina.
Abstract:
Patients with stable angina pectoris received an intravenous bolus injection of 10 mg amlodipine followed by a second 10-mg bolus, 30 min later, if no haemodynamic compromise occurred. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly reduced and cardiac output increased. Left ventricular function was unaltered. Amlodipine did not affect the electrophysiological parameters studied; sinus node recovery time and the pacing rate to Wenckebach heart block did not significantly change from baseline. Amlodipine is a powerful arterial vasodilator with no negative inotropic effects. Cardiac electrophysiological function is not affected by amlodipine.