[Effects of beta-adrenergic blockade on hemodynamic parameters obtained by right heart catheter and echocardiography (author's transl)].

Echocardiographic and flow-directed catheter studies were performed on nine normal male volunteers to investigate the hemodynamic effects of beta-adrenergic blockade at rest and during exercise. The beta-receptor blockade 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 = 0.76, p < 0.001), a stronger relationship was demonstrated in the measurement of cardiac output (r = 0.93, p < 0.001). In spite of raised pressures and reduced myocardial contractility there was no increase in enddiastolic 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.