Comparison of the acute haemodynamic effects of bopindolol and propranolol at rest and during supine exercise

The acute cardiovascular effects of two beta-adrenoceptor blocking agents, bopindolol and propranolol, were compared in a randomized study in 16 male patients with coronary heart disease. All patients had had an uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction at least 8 weeks earlier. The two drugs reduced the arterial blood pressure to the same extent, both at rest and during exercise. As heart rate and stroke volume were also decreased, cardiac output was reduced, whereas systemic vascular resistance was increased at rest and during exercise. Left ventricular filling pressure was increased. No statistically significant differences in these variables were seen between the two groups.