Exercise haemodynamics and maximal exercise capacity during beta‐ adrenoceptor blockade in normotensive and hypertensive subjects.

Abstract

1 The effects of atenolol administration on maximal exercise capacity and exercise haemodynamics have been compared in eight normotensive and eight mildly hypertensive subjects, matched for sex, age, body weight, and maximal oxygen uptake, and familiar with maximal exercise testing. 2 Supine and exercise blood pressure, and exercise total peripheral resistance were significantly higher, and exercise cardiac output was significantly lower in the hypertensive than in the normotensive subjects.3 Administration of atenolol (1 x 100 mg day-') for 3 days reduced supine and exercise systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac output, and increased exercise stroke volume. Supine and exercise diastolic blood pressure and exercise total peripheral resistance were unaffected by atenolol. The effects of atenolol did not differ in the normotensive and the hypertensive subjects. 4 Maximal work load, maximal oxygen uptake, and maximal heart rate were reduced to a similar extent in normotensive and hypertensive subjects during atenolol treatment. 5 It is concluded that there is no difference in the effects of short-term atenolol administration on exercise haemodynamics and maximal exercise capacity in normotensive and mildly hypertensive subjects.

Variations in Exercise Systolic Blood Pressure in Physically Active Middle-Aged Men with Normal and Elevated Blood Pressure

“…Although there were differences between the three blood pressure groups with regard to age, % body fat, body height, and resting heart rate, we could not find an independent association with eSBP for these variables. Subjects in the elevated blood pressure group had Significantly lower Wmax than those in the two other groups, although maximal heart rates were similar, suggesting differences in stroke volume between the groups (2,19). No differences in eSBP were found between the three blood pressure groups.…”