Hemodynamic effects of verapamil in left ventricular valvular volume overload

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Updated: Oct 13, 2026

Real-time Pressure-volume Analysis of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Mice
07:28

Real-time Pressure-volume Analysis of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Mice

Published on: July 2, 2018

S M Butman, J Eagan, H G Olson

    American Heart Journal
    |August 1, 1985
    PubMed

    Insights

    Intravenous verapamil improved cardiac function in patients with aortic and mitral insufficiency by reducing vascular resistance. Its vasodilatory effects outweighed negative inotropic effects, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Pharmacology

    Background:

    • Aortic and mitral insufficiency can be complicated by high systemic vascular resistance.
    • Calcium channel blockers are known to reduce systemic vascular resistance.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the effects of intravenous verapamil on hemodynamics in patients with aortic and mitral insufficiency.
    • To determine if verapamil's vasodilatory effects outweigh its negative inotropic effects in these conditions.

    Main Methods:

    • Intravenous verapamil was administered to 23 patients (11 with aortic insufficiency, 12 with mitral insufficiency).
    • Hemodynamic parameters including cardiac index, forward stroke volume index, and regurgitant fraction were measured.
    • Left ventricular stress and contractile performance measures were assessed.

    Main Results:

    • Verapamil increased cardiac index and forward stroke volume index in both groups.
    • Regurgitant fraction significantly decreased in patients with both aortic and mitral insufficiency.
    • Left ventricular end-systolic stress decreased in both groups; end-diastolic stress decreased in the mitral insufficiency group.
    • No significant change in contractile performance was observed, but end-systolic stress-to-volume index ratio fell in the mitral insufficiency group.

    Conclusions:

    • The vasodilatory effects of intravenous verapamil appear to predominate over negative inotropic effects in patients with aortic and mitral insufficiency.
    • Verapamil may be a valuable option for patients intolerant to other vasodilators, those with concurrent ischemic heart disease, or supraventricular arrhythmias.

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