[Comparative effects of ajmaline and lidocaine on hemodynamics in myocardial infarct]

Haemodynamic changes after single intravenous injection of antiarhythmic doses of ajmaline (50 mg) and lidocain (100 mg) were measured comparatively in 10 patients with acute myocardial infarction, stable cardiac rhythm and without manifest left heart failure. The effects of ajmaline were characterized by a significant decrease of systolic arterial pressure (9%), of left ventricular stroke work index (15%) as well as by an increase of the mean pressure of the pulmonary artery (7%) in the early phase after application. No significant changes in cardiac index, stroke volume index, systemic vascular resistance, right and left ventricular filling pressures and heart rate occurred. The effects of lidocain on the cardiac circulation were comparatively small. The intravenous administration of lidocain did not result in significant changes of the cardiac index or left and right ventricular filling pressures. Diastolic arterial pressure increased significantly (5%), while the heart rate decreased (5%).