Haemodynamic effects of alinidine, a specific sinus node inhibition, in patients with unstable angina or myocardial infarction.

Alinidine is a new sinus node inhibitor which does not interact with the beta adrenergic receptors. Its haemodynamic effects were studied in 57 patients; 24 with unstable angina, 9 with myocardial infarction and heart rate greater than 100 bpm but without heart failure. 10 with myocardial infarction treated with vasodilators and 14 with severe heart failure or shock. After dosages up to 40 mg alinidine, heart rate decreased by 14 +/- 7 bpm, mean arterial pressure was reduced by 3 +/- 6 mmHg, stroke volume remained unchanged while cardiac output decreased 0.5 +/- 0.61 min-1 and systemic vascular resistance increased. Signs of heart failure developed in 3 patients, although overall left ventricular filling pressure remained unchanged. The haemodynamic response to alinidine warrants further studies of its efficacy in patients with angina or sinus tachycardia.