ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Bradycardia frequently occurs in intravenous anesthesia with propofol. Patients with sinus bradycardia have increased vagal tone at rest. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of propofol on blood pressure and heart rate during induction of anesthesia in patients with sinus bradycardia. METHODS: Sixteen adult patients were studied. No anticholinergics were used before induction. Anesthesia was induced intravenously with midazolam 0.03 mg/kg, propofol 2 mg/kg, lidocaine 1 mg/kg and vecuronium 0.12 mg/kg. Anesthesia was maintained with continuous infusion of propofol 150 microgram/ kg/min and 100% O2. Hemodynamic data were recorded 3 minutes after midazolam injection, immediately after propofol injection, 1 and 2 minutes after propofol continuous infusion, and immediately, 1, 3 and 5 minutes after intubation. RESULTS: Heart rate significantly increased after intravenous injection of propofol (P < 0.05) and was maintained during the study. There was no incidence of bradycardia. CONCLUSIONS: Anesthesia induction and maintenance with propofol could be a suitable and safe ansethetic method for patients with sinus bradycardia.