[Cardiac effects of prostacyclin infusion]

The purpose of this investigation is the evaluation of cardiac effects of short-term prostacyclin intravenous infusion. Prostaglandin I2 has been administered at rate of 5 ng/kg/min. Systolic blood pressure (mmHg) remains unchanged, heart rate (beats/min) significantly increases (p less than 0.01). Diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) significantly decreases (p less than 0.01) during the first hour: this decrease is not significant during the second and third hour. The QTc shortens during the first and third hour and returns to normal values during 60-90 minutes of infusion. This preliminary study suggests that cardiac effects of prostacyclin infusion are indirect.