Hemodynamic adjustments in hypertensive patients developing circulatory congestion during beta-adrenergic blockade

In the course of chronic treatment with a cardioselective beta-blocking agent (atenolol) 6 patients out of a series of 38 hypertensives developed signs of circulatory congestion. In spite of this, maximal exercise capacity was maintained. This resulted from hemodynamic readjustments at rest and exercise, where an increase in stroke volume played a major role.