[Effects of propranolol on central hemodynamics in hypertensive patients at rest and during stress]

In 10 male hypertensives without therapy who were active in sports echocardiographic examinations at rest, during and after a dynamic exercise were performed 1 hour after oral administration of 100 mg of propranolol and 6 weeks after a daily administration of 3 X 25 mg of propranolol. For comparison the results of 51 normotensive males of the same age were at disposal. The effects of propranolol in the acute experiment and under a permanent therapy are demonstrated at the parameters heart rate, systolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, end-diastolic volume index, stroke-volume index, ejection fraction, frequence-normed mean circumferential speed of shortening of fibres and peripheral resistance. In consequence of the effective decrease of blood pressure at rest and on exertion and lacking negatively inotropic effects on the contractility and pumping function at rest and on exertion during a permanent therapy the application of the beta-blockers in the antihypertensive therapy of bodily active hypertensives is to be recommended. From the behavior of the peripheral resistance under a vermanent therapy is concluded that a combination with a pasodilator is not necessary.