[Electrophysiologic characterization of propafenone in man]

We performed an electrophysiologic study in 10 subjects before and after administration of Propafenon in doses of 1,5 mg/Kg b.w. i.v. in 2-3 minutes. No symptoms and no significant reductions of arterial blood pressure were observed. The analysis of our data shows that Propafenon does not significantly influence the sinus node function and the sinoatrial conduction. As far the atrioventricular conduction, the drug caused a significant increase of the Wenckebach point, of St-Q interval duration and of the A-V node absolute refractory period. The H-V interval and the His-Purkinje refractory period were also increased. We conclude that P exerts a negative dromotropic effect by direct pharmacological action on the A-V node and on the intraventricular specific conduction pathways.