A new technique is described that allows minute-to-minute recordings of cardiac output and arterial pressure in unanesthetized rats for periods of 24 h and longer. Rats were instrumented with electromagnetic flow probes and arterial catheters. An electrical and hydraulic swivel was interposed between the rat and recording apparatus to allow free range of movement. Data were collected and analyzed once each minute by computer. Average 24-h values (mean +/- SD) for the following hemodynamic variables were determined in eight rats [expressed where appropriate as a function of body weight (BW)]: cardiac output (98.1 +/- 14.7 ml/min), cardiac index (29.2 +/- 4.4 ml.min-1.100 g BW-1), mean arterial pressure (92.5 +/- 7.8 mmHg), heart rate (347 +/- 45 beats/min), peak aortic flow (403 +/- 32 ml/min), stroke volume (282 +/- 26 microliters), stroke volume index (84.4 +/- 8.1 microliters/100 g BW), and total peripheral resistance index (3.26 +/- 0.46 mmHg.ml-1.min.100 g BW). These results provide a data base of hemodynamic values for unanesthetized adult, Sprague-Dawley male rats, which has not been previously available. In addition, cardiac index, mean arterial pressure, and total peripheral resistance index demonstrated diurnal variation. Diurnal variation contributed substantially to the overall variance observed within these variables. Hourly variance was also substantial and indicates the use of continuous recordings for short-term experiments.