Haemodynamic and electrophysiological effects of amlodipine, a new long-acting calcium antagonist.

Patients with stable angina pectoris received an intravenous bolus injection of 10 mg amlodipine followed by a second 10-mg bolus, 30 min later, if no haemodynamic compromise occurred. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly reduced and cardiac output increased. Left ventricular function was unaltered. Amlodipine did not affect the electrophysiological parameters studied; sinus node recovery time and the pacing rate to Wenckebach heart block did not significantly change from baseline. Amlodipine is a powerful arterial vasodilator with no negative inotropic effects. Cardiac electrophysiological function is not affected by amlodipine.