Premium
CENTRAL HAEMODYNAMIC EFFECTS OF DIHYDROERGOTAMINE IN PATIENTS WITH ORTHOSTATIC HYPOTENSION
Author(s) -
Nordenfelt Ivar,
Mellander Stefan
Publication year - 1972
Publication title -
journal of internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.625
H-Index - 160
eISSN - 1365-2796
pISSN - 0954-6820
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2796.1972.tb00021.x
Subject(s) - medicine , dihydroergotamine , orthostatic vital signs , supine position , cardiac output , stroke volume , anesthesia , vascular resistance , heart rate , blood pressure , blood volume , cardiology , hemodynamics , central venous pressure , cardiac index , migraine
The effects of dihydroergotamine (DHE) on heart rate, cardiac output, stroke volume, arterial and central venous pressures, systemic resistance, and central blood volume have been analysed in ten patients suffering from orthostatic hypotension. The patients were placed on a tilt‐table and studied in the supine as well as in the erect body position. In the supine position DHE caused a significant increase of cardiac output, stroke volume, arterial systolic and mean pressures, and central venous pressure. In the erect position DHE raised cardiac output, stroke volume, and central blood volume, and lowered heart rate. Systemic resistance was unaltered by the drug. The effects of DHE on the central circulation can largely be explained by its powerful and relatively selective constrictor action on the capacitance vessels in the peripheral circulation. The results indicate that DHE can have beneficial effects in patients with orthostatic hypotension.