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Circulatory effects of diazepam in heart disease

W Markiewicz, S Hunt, D C Harrison

    Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
    |November 1, 1976
    PubMed

    Insights

    Diazepam had minimal impact on average heart parameters during cardiac catheterization but caused significant individual changes. Clinicians should consider these hemodynamic alterations in patients receiving diazepam.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Pharmacology

    Background:

    • Diagnostic cardiac catheterization is a key procedure for heart disease assessment.
    • Understanding drug effects on hemodynamics during catheterization is crucial for accurate results.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the circulatory effects of diazepam during diagnostic cardiac catheterization.
    • To determine if diazepam alters hemodynamic parameters relevant to the procedure.

    Main Methods:

    • Ten patients with heart disease received diazepam before cardiac catheterization.
    • Hemodynamic parameters including heart rate, pressures, cardiac index, and stroke volume were monitored.

    Main Results:

    • Diazepam did not alter baroreceptor sensitivity or cardiac index.
    • Significant increases in heart rate and decreases in aortic systolic and left ventricular end-diastolic pressures were observed.
    • Stroke volume decreased significantly, while systemic vascular resistance and peak left ventricular dp/dt remained unchanged.

    Conclusions:

    • Diazepam generally shows minimal effects on averaged hemodynamic parameters in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.
    • However, substantial individual variations in circulatory response necessitate careful consideration of diazepam's use in this clinical setting.

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