Hemodynamic effects of anesthetic induction in patients treated with beta and calcium channel blockers

The response to anesthetic induction and airway manipulation in the presence of cardiovascular disease and anti-hypertensive therapy has not been adequately investigated. The blood pressure, pulse pressure and heart rate changes at induction and following tracheal intubation were compared in patients who were on either preoperative beta-adrenergic blocker therapy [BB group, n = 20] or a combination of beta-adrenergic blocker and calcium channel blocker therapy [BB + CCB group, n = 20]. A standardized anesthesia induction protocol was followed, in the two gourps. No statistical difference was observed in the hemodynamic parameters between the two groups. The total number of hypotensive patients [SAP 90