Haemodynamic effects of indenolol at rest and after a submaximal workload in essential hypertension

The effect of indenolol on heart rate and blood pressure at rest and after submaximal workload has been studied in 19 patients with established essential hypertension. A stepwise increase from moderate to submaximal exercise was chosen to mimic challenges normally occurring in daily life. After 4 weeks of once a day indenolol therapy a significant, gradual reduction in the following cardiovascular parameters was observed: heart rate at rest fell by 20%, 30% after exercise and 31% after recovery; systolic blood pressure showed a fall of 15% at rest, 19% after workload and 14% after recovery; the reduction in diastolic blood pressure was 15% at rest, 11% after exercise and 12% after recovery. The rate-pressure product was decreased by 32% at rest, 43% after exercise and 42% after recovery. It is concluded that the most important pharmacological effect of indenolol is the significant decrease in myocardial oxygen demand. In patients with essential hypertension indenolol not only produces a definite antihypertensive effect, but it also increases workload tolerance and decreases subjective symptoms during physical activity. Compliance was good and no severe side effects were observed.