Hemodynamic study of nifedipine administration in hypertensive patients

Our experiment shows that acute nifedipine administration is followed in hypertensive patients by a significant reduction of BP, whatever route of administration is chosen. It is remarkable that despite the different kinetics of absorption, at 30 minutes no difference was observed. As for the mechanism of action, PVR reduction elicited by means of the Ca ++ antagonist action of nifedipine associated with CI increase suggests a selective effect on the arterial resistance vessels similar to that of hydralazine. HR and CI increased, as reported by others, as a consequence of the sudden reduction of BP and such variations are probably responsible for the slight increase of P̄pa reported. A negative inotropic effect, however, may be excluded by the relatively constant Padp values in our patients.