Beta-blocker therapy evaluated by radionuclide angiography: a study in chronic stable angina

In order to evaluate the negative inotropic effects of sotalol, metoprolol, and propranolol in patients with chronic stable angina pectoris, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was measured with radionuclide angiography and echocardiography. Fifteen patients entered the study, which was designed as a randomized crossover trial. The patients served as their own control at all times. Surprisingly, LVEF increased when measured by echocardiography in all three treatment periods, and decreased in the propranolol period when measured by radionuclide methods. The changes were not significant. There was no negative inotropic effect registered during any of the three drug treatments.