Effects of Nitrous Oxide oa S)stolic Time Intervals

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Abstract
The effects of inhalation of O2, N2O/O2 and N2O/N2/O2 on systolic time intervals (PEP (pre-ejection period) and LVET (left ventricular ejection time)) were investigated in 8 healthy persons. N2O 40%, administered with O2 or O2/N2, prolonged PEP significantly by 25 and 22%, respectively. O2 inhalation also prolonged PEP but to a significantly minor degree. LVET, heart rate and mean arterial pressure were unchanged during the experiments. Derivatives from the systolic time intervals, i.e., PEP/LVET, l/PEP2 and ejection fraction significantly changed in the N2O groups. N2O apparently depresses cardiac performance even when administered at a low concentration.