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Effect of beta1 selective adrenoceptor blockade on physiological response to exercise
British Heart Journal
|July 1, 1985
Summary
Atenolol, a beta1 selective adrenoceptor blocker, reduces maximal heart rate but does not alter exercise oxygen consumption. Exercise intensity recommendations based on heart rate percentage remain valid for healthy individuals on this medication.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Exercise Physiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Beta-blockers are widely prescribed for cardiovascular conditions.
- Understanding their impact on exercise response is crucial for patient management.
- Atenolol is a common beta1 selective adrenoceptor blocker.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological effects of atenolol on exercise response in healthy individuals.
- To determine if exercise intensity recommendations based on heart rate percentage are still applicable when using atenolol.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, crossover study involving 12 healthy young men.
- Participants underwent intermittent multistage cycle ergometer tests after receiving either oral atenolol (100 mg) or placebo.
- Measurements included maximal oxygen consumption, ventilation, gas exchange, heart rate, and performance time.
Main Results:
- Atenolol significantly reduced maximal heart rate and performance time.
- Maximal oxygen consumption, pulmonary ventilation, and carbon dioxide output were not affected.
- The relationship between percentage of maximal oxygen consumption and percentage of maximal heart rate remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
- Exercise intensity prescription based on a percentage of maximal heart rate is feasible in individuals without symptomatic coronary heart disease taking atenolol.
- Beta1 selective adrenoceptor blockers like atenolol do not compromise the ability to gauge exercise intensity using heart rate targets.