The influence of beta‐adrenoceptor blockade on left ventricular function.

Abstract

1 This study was designed to compare in a randomized cross‐over trial pindolol, a beta‐adrenoceptor blocking agent with intrinsic sympathomimetic activity and metoprolol, a cardioselective beta‐ adrenoceptor blocker lacking sympathomimetic activity in hypertensives with incipient heart failure. Cardiac function was investigated by M‐ Mode and 2D‐echo‐cardiography. 2 Both pindolol and metoprolol in equipotent doses lowered blood pressure to the same extent. 3 There was no difference in overall left ventricular function in ventricular geometry or in wall dynamics after either drug. 4 In comparison to metoprolol, pindolol produced less reduction in resting heart rate, cardiac index and ejection velocity reflecting the intrinsic sympathomimetic activity of the drug. 1982 The British Pharmacological Society