Influence of alprenolol on hemodynamic and metabolic responses to prolonged exercise in subjects with hypertension.

In 7 young men with essential hypertension, central and regional hemodynamics and leg metabolism were studied at rest, during and after a prolonged exercise, and with and without long-term alprenolol treatment. Alprenolol (200 mg twice daily) lowered arterial blood pressure. Heart rate decreased in relation to plasma levels during and after exercise. Cardiac output was not significantly influenced, but leg blood flow was reduced at rest. Lipolysis was also attenuated by treatment both at rest and during exercise, and the increment in plasma insulin after exercise was decreased. A reduction in the release of leg muscle lactate was noted during exercise.