[Central hemodynamics of antihypertensive agents. Studies on co-dergocrinmesylate]

The haemodynamic effects of a three-week-treatment with 4-8 mg co-dergocrinmesylate (Hydergin spezial) were investigated in 14 hypertensive patients with a mean age of 58 years and reduced ventricular function (exertional dyspnoea, enlarged cardiac opacity). Blood pressure values at rest and during physical exercise were reduced significantly. Marked cardiac relief was induced manifesting as decrease of enddiastolic and endsystolic volumes and at the same time as an increase of ejection fraction. Cardiac output remained largely constant, lowering of blood pressure was exclusively due to alteration of peripheral total vascular resistance. Cardiac frequency decreased significantly. There was no evidence of negative inotropic effects. Systolic wall tension as the main therapeutic target decreased at rest and during ergometry by 20% and 25%, respectively. Renal perfusion increased slightly, but significantly, in all patients.