RESUMO
The effect of indenolol on heart rate and blood pressure at rest and after submaximal workload has been studied in 19 patients with established essential hypertension. A stepwise increase from moderate to submaximal exercise was chosen to mimic challenges normally occurring in daily life. After 4 weeks of once a day indenolol therapy a significant, gradual reduction in the following cardiovascular parameters was observed: heart rate at rest fell by 20%, 30% after exercise and 31% after recovery; systolic blood pressure showed a fall of 15% at rest, 19% after workload and 14% after recovery; the reduction in diastolic blood pressure was 15% at rest, 11% after exercise and 12% after recovery. The rate-pressure product was decreased by 32% at rest, 43% after exercise and 42% after recovery. It is concluded that the most important pharmacological effect of indenolol is the significant decrease in myocardial oxygen demand. In patients with essential hypertension indenolol not only produces a definite antihypertensive effect, but it also increases workload tolerance and decreases subjective symptoms during physical activity. Compliance was good and no severe side effects were observed.
