Effect of beta-blockers on peripheral skin microcirculation in hypertension and peripheral vascular disease

This study was undertaken to investigate the possible negative effect of beta-blockers on skin microcirculation in patients with intermittent claudication and hypertension. Methods and materials In this clinical crossover study, 20 patients with mild to moderate hypertension, treated with long-term beta-blockade, and intermittent claudication or ischemic rest pain, underwent assessment of peripheral circulation before and after 2-week withdrawal of beta-blocking therapy and again 2 weeks after restarting therapy. Replacement therapy (calcium antagonist) was given if considered necessary to control hypertension. Skin microcirculation was assessed with three noninvasive techniques: capillary microscopy of the hallux nailfold, transcutaneous oximetry of the forefoot, and laser Doppler fluxmetry of the great toe.

Mean initial blood pressure was 163/81 mm Hg. Mean heart rate significantly increased with withdrawal of beta-blocker, from 65 bpm to 85 bpm. No significant differences in skin microcirculation and blood pressure were found between measurements obtained before, during, and after withdrawal of beta-blocking therapy. Patients experienced no change in symptoms during the study.

beta-Blockers do not appear to have a negative effect on peripheral skin microcirculation and are therefore not contraindicated to treat hypertension when intermittent claudication or ischemic rest pain is also present.