Hemodynamic effects of N-acetylprocainamide in man: comparison with other antiarrhythmic drugs

The hemodynamic effects of the class III antiarrhythmic agent N-acetylprocainamide or NAPA were assessed in 14 patients with preserved ventricular function undergoing cardiac catheterization. Intravenous NAPA is a relatively weak peripheral arterial and venous dilator which reduces cardiac output producing a reflex increase in the heart rate. The hemodynamic profile of NAPA is compared to and contrasted with other antiarrhythmic drugs, many of which exert significant depressant effects on left ventricular function. The hemodynamic profile of NAPA is favorable for an antiarrhythmic agent but further data are necessary to define its effects in patients with severely depressed myocardial performance.