[Peripheral hemodynamics and metabolic parameters influenced by amrinone at rest and following handgrip stress]

Peripheral hemodynamics and metabolic parameters were studied in 12 healthy volunteers (mean = 24.6 years) and in 12 patients with coronary artery disease (mean = 51.1 years) at rest and after isometric handgrip exercise both before and after application of amrinone (1.5 mg/kg body weight i.v.). Amrinone produced a significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure during handgrip in patients and in volunteers by 10%. Heart rate increased by 4 to 8%. After application of amrinone there was a pronounced increase in forearm blood flow at rest by 50% and after handgrip by 30%. Amrinone is an effective vasodilator without altering systolic and mean arterial blood pressure or heart rate strongly. Amrinone did not influence metabolic parameters.