Evaluation of the acute hemodynamic and electrophysiologic effects of intravenous amlodipine alone and in combination with a beta-blocker in patients with angina pectoris.

The acute hemodynamic and electrophysiologic effects of intravenous amlodipine (2 x 10 mg), administered either alone or on a background of beta-blocker therapy, were studied in 25 patients with angina pectoris. Hemodynamic assessments showed that amlodipine produced significant decreases in systemic vascular resistance and systemic blood pressure, and increases in stroke volume and cardiac output in both treatment groups. Electrophysiologic evaluation revealed that neither sinus node function, nor HIS ventricular conduction, were altered with amlodipine. Therefore, acute intravenous administration of amlodipine alone or in combination with a beta-blocker does not appear to compromise left ventricular performance, sinus node function, or intracardiac conduction.