The Effect of Hydergine on the Cardiovascular System of Elderly People: Electrocardiographic and Ballistocardiographic Studies

Abstract

Hydergine contains equal proportions of dihydroergocornine, dihydroergocristine, and dihydroergocryptine as the methanesulfonates (1). It is prepared by the hydrogenation of natural alkaloids of ergot (2). The process of hydrogenation alters the pharmacologic properties of ergot alkaloids, which are known to possess mild adrenergic-blocking and strong vasoconstrictor action because of their effect upon smooth muscles. The hydrogenated alkaloids have a strong adrenergic-blocking action, but virtually no ability to stimulate smooth muscle. They are less toxic and possess less pronounced emetic action than the natural alkaloids (3, 4).Among the many studies of the pharmacologic properties of Hydergine and of its effect upon blood pressure, heart rate, and central and peripheral circulation (4-25), none has dealt strictly with concurrent changes produced in the electrocardiogram and the ballistocardiogram. In fact, conflicting observations have been made as to the electrocardiographic changes that Hydergine may produce.To re-evaluate the action of Hydergine, the drug was given to 45 elderly persons, and changes in blood pressure, pulse rate, the electrocardiogram, and the ballistocardiogram were studied after its injection. MATERIAL AND METHODForty-five elderly persons at the Ann Lee Home in Albany, New York, served as the test subjects. Most of them were between the ages of 60 and 80 years (Table 1). They were divided into two groups-those with hypertension and those with normal blood pressure. Each observation or test was made in the morning, the patient having been instructed not to eat or smoke beforehand. After the patient had rested fifteen minutes in the supine position, the blood pressure and heart rate were determined and an electrocardiogram and a ballistocardiogram recorded. The electrocardiogram was made with a Sanborn directwriting machine, using the 12 conventional leads. The Arbeit type of magnetic machine was used for the ballistocardiogram, and the displacement, velocity and acceleration traces were recorded. After these records had been made, 1.0 cc. of Hydergine (0.3 mg.) was injected subcutaneously. Half an hour thereafter, the blood pressure, heart rate, electrocardiogram and ballistocardiogram were recorded again. They were recorded also one hour following the injection. Subjective complaints and objective findings were noted during this time and later.

Combined Vasodilator Therapy in Peripheral Vascular Diseases

“…The value of Hydergine in peripheral vascular disorders also has been the subject of several reports (7,(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25). In recent studies on causalgia, Hydergine has been injected intra-arterially into the extremities, or intravenously into other involved areas of the body.…”