[Evaluation of the cardiovascular effects of the beta-blockader atenolol]

The beta-blocking action of 100 mg per diem Atenol was evaluated in 8 patients with conditions requiring treatment with a beta-blocking drugs (ischaemic cardiopathy, arterial hypertension, hypertrophic myocardiopathy). Ergometer bicycle exertion tests were used to evaluate the extent of Atenol's beta-blocking action (in basal condition, 3 and 24 hours after administration of the drug) as well as Holter type dynamic ECG recordings (basal and under treatment). The drug significantly reduced cardiac frequency and arterial pressure both at rest and under exertion. It also significantly reduced average hourly and daily cardiac frequency as shown by dynamic ECG. No side effects of the drug were observed.