The acute effects of althesin, etomidate and fentanyl upon haemodynamics, myocardial contractility and oxygen comsumption of the heart were studied in healthy premedicated patients (n = 15) lightly anaesthetized with N2O-O2 (ratio 2:1), 0.3 volumes per cent of halothane and isoflurane respectively. All individuals were ventilated at a normal level. The patients (n = 9) in the halothane group received etomidate 0.3 mg/kg and 20 minutes later althesin 0.075 ml/kg intravenously. In a second group of 6 patients on isoflurane fentanyl 0.01 mg/kg was given. Etomidate did not affect the cardiovascular system significantly. While the decrease in blood pressure after althesin (24 per cent) was the result of a reduction in total peripheral resistance (32 per cent), hypotension associated with fentanyl (23 per cent) was caused by diminished output due to bradycardia (18 per cent). Load data,heart rate, and maximum dp/dt indicated moderate negative inotropic properties only of althesin. Using the complex haemodynamic parameter developed by Bretschneider the myocardial oxygen consumption was calculated. The energy demand of the heart decreased with etomidate, althesin and fentanyl by 14 per cent, 16 per cent and 32 per cent respectively. It is concluded that the risk of cardiovascular depression at induction in patients with impaired myocardial performance and coronary insufficiency can be minimized with etomidate and/or fentanyl.