Key result
In animal studies, trazodone lowered arterial blood pressure and tended to prolong the Q-T interval, but did not affect cardiac conduction or induce rhythm abnormalities.
Animal data on trazodone's hemodynamic and QT effects leave open human ECG monitoring needs and arrhythmia risk confirmation.
The cardiovascular side effect profile of trazodone differs noticeably from that of imipramine. Animal studies show that trazodone does not affect intraatrial, ventricular septal, lateral free wall, His-Purkinje, or A-V nodal conduction, nor does it have any electrocardiographic actions besides a tendency to prolong the Q-T interval. Furthermore, trazodone does not induce rhythm abnormalities. Trazodone does lower arterial blood pressure, either by α-adrenergic blockade, a decrease in heart rate, or a rate-related fall in cardiac output.
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Gomoll et al. (1981) reported a review. Trazodone vs. Imipramine was evaluated on Cardiovascular side effects. In animal studies, trazodone lowered arterial blood pressure and tended to prolong the Q-T interval, but did not affect cardiac conduction or induce rhythm abnormalities.
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