Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Mesenteric Artery Contraction and Relaxation Studies Using Automated Wire Myography
07:51

Mesenteric Artery Contraction and Relaxation Studies Using Automated Wire Myography

Published on: September 22, 2011

Effects of calcium antagonism and beta-blockade on haemodynamic responses to stress

G T McInnes1, I N Findlay, G D Murray

  • 1University Department of Medicine, Glasgow, UK.

Nephron
|January 1, 1987
PubMed

Insights

Verapamil and propranolol, when combined, effectively reduced blood pressure and heart rate surges in hypertensive patients during stress tests. This combination therapy shows promise for managing hypertension.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Pharmacology
  • Hypertension Management

Background:

  • Essential hypertension poses significant cardiovascular risks.
  • Managing blood pressure surges during physiological stress is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the combined effects of verapamil and propranolol on hemodynamic responses.
  • To assess the efficacy of combined calcium antagonism and beta-blockade in essential hypertension.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 13 patients with essential hypertension.
  • Evaluated blood pressure and heart rate during cold pressor testing and isometric exercise.
  • Administered verapamil, propranolol, and their combination.

Main Results:

  • Verapamil primarily affected peak blood pressure responses.
  • Propranolol's main effect was on heart rate.
  • The combination therapy significantly attenuated both blood pressure and heart rate surges.

Conclusions:

  • Combined calcium antagonism and beta-blockade favorably modify hemodynamic responses in hypertensive patients.
  • This combination therapy may offer a beneficial approach for ambulatory hypertensive individuals experiencing stress-induced surges.

More Related Videos

Cardiac Stress Test Induced by Dobutamine and Monitored by Cardiac Catheterization in Mice15:45

Cardiac Stress Test Induced by Dobutamine and Monitored by Cardiac Catheterization in Mice

Published on: February 10, 2013

Isolation of Human Atrial Myocytes for Simultaneous Measurements of Ca2+ Transients and Membrane Currents10:53

Isolation of Human Atrial Myocytes for Simultaneous Measurements of Ca2+ Transients and Membrane Currents

Published on: July 3, 2013

Related Concept Videos

Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of β-Receptor Blockers01:27

Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of β-Receptor Blockers

β-receptor blockers significantly impact the cardiovascular system by counteracting catecholamine-induced sympathetic responses. These medications decrease heart rate, contractility, and cardiac output, potentially leading to cardiac depression, life-threatening bradycardia, and death. Therapeutically, β-blockers function as mild antihypertensives and are utilized in treating angina pectoris and cardiac arrhythmias. However, nonselective β-blockers inhibit β2-receptors in bronchial smooth...
Adrenergic Antagonists: ɑ and β-Receptor Blockers01:31

Adrenergic Antagonists: ɑ and β-Receptor Blockers

Third-generation β-blockers, such as labetalol and carvedilol, represent a significant advancement in managing cardiovascular conditions. Unlike conventional β-blockers, which can induce peripheral vasoconstriction, third-generation drugs block α1 adrenoceptors. This promotes vasodilation through several mechanisms, such as increased nitric oxide production, inhibition of calcium ion entry, opening of potassium ion channels, and antioxidant action. Labetalol, for instance, is clinically...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of β1 Blockers01:17

Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of β1 Blockers

β1-receptors are primarily located in the heart and kidneys. In cardiac myocytes, these receptors interact with neurotransmitters released by the sympathetic nervous system during heightened activity or danger. As a result, β1-receptors get activated, initiating a series of biochemical processes. Excessive activation of beta receptors due to chronic stress can abnormally increase heart rate and contractility, resulting in high blood pressure or hypertension. To counteract this, β1-blockers...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Types of β-Blockers01:28

Antihypertensive Drugs: Types of β-Blockers

β receptors are classified into three subclasses: β1, β2, and β3. β1 receptors are primarily located in the heart and kidneys. When they get activated, they increase heart rate, contractility, and renin release. This process enhances blood pressure and aids in stress management. In contrast, β2 receptors are situated mainly in the lungs, blood vessels, and skeletal muscles. Upon activation, they trigger smooth muscle relaxation, causing bronchodilation and vasodilation. This widens airways and...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of Calcium Channel Blockers01:18

Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium ions are essential to contract smooth muscle cells in blood vessels. They enter these cells through voltage-dependent calcium channels, specifically L-type calcium channels in the cell membrane. These L-type calcium channels are integral to the excitation-contraction coupling process in smooth muscle. When a stimulus is received by smooth muscle cells, their membrane depolarizes. This alteration in membrane potential instigates the opening of L-type calcium channels. As a result,...
Heart Failure Drugs: β-Blockers01:22

Heart Failure Drugs: β-Blockers

β-adrenergic antagonists, commonly known as β-blockers, block the effects of sympathetic neurotransmitters such as noradrenaline (NA) and adrenaline (ADR). They have several beneficial effects in heart failure treatment. They reduce heart rate, the force of contraction, and cardiac muscle relaxation. They also slow the atrial-ventricular conduction rate and raise the threshold for arrhythmias. The concentration of β-blockers determines their effects on bronchodilation, vasodilation, and...