The acute systemic and coronary hemodynamic effects of acetaldehyde.

Acute coronary and systemic hemodynamic effects of acetaldehyde before and subsequent to beta adrenergic blockade by propranolol were studied in intact anesthetized dogs. Acetaldehyde produces a sympathomimetic effect compatible with catecholamine release as seen by an increase in heart rate, cardiac output, pulmonary and systemic pressures and body oxygen consumption. The marked decrease in coronary vascular resistance and increase in coronary blood flow is blocked to only a minor degree by propranolol, indicating that a major part of its action on the coronary circulation is not due to catecholamine release. Acetaldehyde dilates large coronary vessels and appears to increase collateral blood flow to obstructed arteries, as determined by angiographic study.