Hemodynamics of Angiotensin in Man

Abstract

These data demonstrate that in normal subjects, angiotensin II is 10 times as potent as norepinephrine which it resembles hemodynamically. An increase in the systolic pressure is associated with a significant increase in diastolic pressure, an increase in venous pressure, a decrease in heart rate, a slight decrease in cardiac output and a striking increase in total peripheral resistance, a decrease in renal blood flow, decreased glomerular filtration rate, increase in filtration fraction, and slight decrease in urinary volume. Preliminary studies in patients in shock suggest that angiotensin II is 2 or 3 times as potent as norepinephrine. Continuous administration is not associated with the development of tachyphylaxis, and sloughing of tissues does not occur if there is leakage outside the vein.