Comparative haemodynamic effects of intravenous nisoldipine and hydralazine in congestive heart failure

The acute haemodynamic effects of intravenous nisoldipine and hydralazine were compared in nine patients with heart failure. Both agents caused qualitatively similar effects, reducing both left ventricular preload and afterload, with reductions in systemic vascular resistance and increases in cardiac output. However, the effect of hydralazine was significantly greater and of longer duration than nisoldipine, and was associated with side effects in four patients. This, and previously reported data, suggests that nisoldipine may be useful in patients with ischaemia and concomitant heart failure.