Objective. Development and validation of a pharmacological method for modeling and predicting central hemodynamic response to general anesthesia induction with propofol or thiopental sodium. Material and methods. There were 104 consecutive patients divided into two groups depending on anesthesia induction mode. Propofol 2.5 mg/kg and fentanyl 0.1 mg were administered prior to endoscopic procedures and in all patients with previous myocardial infarction (n=50). In other cases (n=54), thiopental sodium 4 mg/kg and fentanyl 0.1 mg were injected. Central hemodynamic response to intravenous bolus of esmolol 500 mcg/kg and general anesthesia induction was analyzed by using of impedance cardiography. Results. Similar central hemodynamic response to esmolol bolus and general anesthesia induction was observed. LV power index reduction by more than 27% following esmolol bolus was the most significant predictor of mean BP decrease below 60 mm Hg following general anesthesia induction. LV power index was calculated on the basis of aortic peak blood flow velocity. Conclusion. Intravenous esmolol bolus adequately simulates central hemodynamic response to general anesthesia induction with propofol or thiopental sodium. It is advisable to choose an alternative mode of general anesthesia induction (for example, ketamine-based) in patients with unfavorable prognosis after esmolol test in order to avoid severe hypotension.