[Hemodynamics after prindolol and digitalis in acute myocardial infarction (author's transl)]

In 20 patients with acute myocardial infarction hemodynamic controls were performed after digitalisation and following i.v. injection of 0,4 mg of Prindolol. Circulatory changes were most pronounced 5-15 min after Prindolol injection and consisted of decrease in heart rate of 7%, mean arterial blood pressure of 6%, cardiac output of 10,5%, stroke volume index of 5,1% and left ventricular work of 18%. An increase of pulmonary wedge pressure of 17%, pulmonary pressure of 9%, mean right atrial pressure of 16% and peripheral arterial resistance of 6% were calculated. In 5 cases a favourable effect on extrasystoles and in 2 cases on sinus tachycardia were observed. Not infrequently, during the initial phase of acute myocardial infarction, a hyperadrenergic state may be noted. Prindolol may be indicated, when circulatory changes or arrhythmias are suspect to be the result of this hyperadrenergic stimulation. A simultaneous digitalisation may inhibit a more intensive cardiodepression.