Noninvasive assessment of left ventricular performance after administration of bisoprolol

The effects of single doses of 10, 20, and 40 mg of bisoprolol on left ventricular performance were assessed by left ventricular systolic time interval measurements, echocardiographic measurements, and exercise stress tests in patients with mild to moderate arterial hypertension. Bisoprolol caused a significant, dose-dependent fall in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate, at rest and under exercise stress test. Left ventricular systolic time intervals were prolonged at the higher doses, but pre-ejection period/left ventricular ejection time (PEP/LVET) ratio, as an indicator for left ventricular performance, remained unchanged. Left ventricular echocardiographic dimensions increased significantly, but shortening fraction was not altered. We conclude that 10-40 mg bisoprolol, apart from the blockade of beta 1-adrenoceptors, does not affect left ventricular cardiac function.