ORAL-THERAPY WITH PHENTOLAMINE IN CHRONIC CONGESTIVE HEART-FAILURE

Phentolamine therapy can improve the condition of patients with congestive heart failure due to its inotropic and vasodilating action. Oral therapy with phentolamine was investigated in 9 patients with chronic heart failure due to underlying valvular disease. Each patient received 50 mg of phentolamine 4 times a day for 2 wk. Echocardiograms and measurements of systolic time intervals were obtained prior to administration of phentolamine and 2 wk after introduction of drug therapy. Ejection fraction, percentage of change in the minor axis and velocity of circumferential fiber shortening significantly increased and the left atrial dimension decreased. Therapy with phentolamine significantly decreased preejection period to left ventricular ejection time. Oral therapy with phentolamine improves left ventricular function in patients with chronic heart failure.