Alinidine and propranolol treatment of hyperkinetic heart syndrome

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Abstract
A hyperkinetic heart syndrome has been diagnosed in 10 patients by clinical investigation and right-heart catheterization at rest and during exercise. Subsequently, the patients received 3×40 mg alinidine, and 2×40 mg propranolol and placebo, each for 2 weeks in a double-blind cross-over study. Heart rate at rest (PP<0.001) decreased significantly under alinidine and propranolol to the same extent (control, 83/170; alinidine, 68/146; propranolol, 73/139; placebo, 83/162 beats per min). Lower limb flow at rest and after exercise, measured by plethysmography, as well as left-ventricular fractional shortening and mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening, measured by echocardiography, decreased insignificantly. Sedation and a dry mouth occurred in six patients under alinidine, while fatigue and cold hands and/or feet were reported by five patients under propranolol. Thus, alinidine may be used as an alternative to beta-blocking in the treatment of the hyperkinetic heart syndrome.