The effect of a new antiarrhythmic agent, flecainide acetate, on systolic time intervals.

We investigated the effect of flecainide on systolic time intervals in 6 healthy subjects. A randomized, double blind, cross-over study was designed using flecainide (2 mg/kg), propranolol (0.2 mg/kg) or saline. In comparison with placebo, flecainide increased heart rate, diastolic BP, QT-Index, QS2-Index, PEP, and reduced LVET-Index (p less than 0.05). It caused a significant increase in PR interval, QRS duration, and PEP/LVET (p less than 0.01). Propranolol, compared with placebo, decreased heart rate and systolic BP (p less than 0.05). It increased PR interval, PEP, and PEP/LVET ratio (p less than 0.05). In comparison with propranolol, flecainide increased heart rate and QRS duration (p less than 0.01, p less than 0.001 respectively). It increased diastolic BP, PR interval, QS2-Index, PEP, and PEP/LVET ratio, and decreased LVET-Index (p less than 0.05). These changes in STI induced by flecainide may be produced by depression of myocardial contractility. Intraventricular conduction delay may be an additional contributing factor.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes