Cardiovascular alterations in severe pregnancy-induced hypertension seen with an intravenously given hydralazine bolus.

The acute cardiovascular effects of a 10 milligram bolus of hydralazine was found to cause a significant increase in heart rate and cardiac index while decreasing mean arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance index. A wide spectrum of individual responses was seen in terms of peak effects and duration of effects. The role of hydralazine in patients with severe pregnancy-induced hypertension was discussed and possible alternative therapy is suggested.