EFFECTS OF BETA-ADRENERGIC-BLOCKADE ON HEMODYNAMIC PARAMETERS OBTAINED BY RIGHT HEART CATHETER AND ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 69  (2) , 75-80
Abstract
Echocardiographic and flow-directed catheter studies were performed on 9 normal male volunteers to investigate the hemodynamic effects of beta-adrenergic blockade at rest and during exercise. The beta-receptor blockade [metipranolol] induced inhibition of sympathetic drive led to a reduced myocardial contractility with raised pulmonary capillary pressure and a reduced shortening fraction during exercise. Stroke volume and cardiac output were reduced by 20-30%. There was a correlation between the measurements of stroke volume by echocardiography and by catheter (r [correlation coefficient] = 0.76, P < 0.001), a stronger relationship was demonstrated in the measurement of cardiac output (r = 0.93, P < 0.001). Despite raised pressures and reduced myocardial contractility there was no increase in end diastolic left ventricular diameter. In addition to the Frank-Starling mechanism further pharmacological effects must be assumed to explain the observed effects of beta-adrenergic blockade.

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