LABETALOL INFUSION IN ACUTE MYOCARDIAL-INFARCTION WITH SYSTEMIC HYPERTENSION

1 Fifteen patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction and systemic BP of greater than 160/110 mmHg were treated with an incremental infusion of labetalol. 2 Systemic BPs were safely and effectively lowered to less than 130 mm Hg systolic or 90 mmHg diastolic in all pateints. 3 Heart rate, mean pulmonary artery wedge pressure cardiac index and stroke work index were significantly reduced. 4 The dose of labetalol varied from 30 mg‐440 mg and was significantly higher (mean 295 mg) in those patients with pre‐existing systemic hypertension compared with others (mean 133 mg). 5 No side‐ effects occurred and all patients survived to leave hospital. 1979 The British Pharmacological Society