The effects of graded concentrations of halothane on left ventricular relaxation and phasic coronary blood flow (CBF) were studied in six open-chest, anesthetized dogs. Global and regional left ventricular function were measured. Besides the expected dose-dependent depression of contractility, regional shortening, and cardiac output, halothane caused significant increases in the time constant of relaxation (Trelax), and decreased and delayed the nadir of peak negative left ventricular dP/dt. Dose-dependent reductions of CBF were noted. Percentage CBF during isovolumic relaxation was significantly reduced and showed a strong inverse correlation with Trelax. Halothane appears to interfere with the inactivation process of the heart; this in turn may impede the early rise in CBF during isovolumic relaxation.