Electrophysiological effects of cardioselective and non-cardioselective beta-adrenoceptor blockers with and without ISA at rest and during exercise.

1 In 46 patients (16 female and 30 male), aged between 18 and 73 years and effect of acute beta-adrenoceptor blockade with i.v. pindolol, acebutolol and atenolol has been studied at rest and during ergometric exercise, during routine intracardiac His bundle investigations. 2 At rest the functional parameters of the sinus node were impaired most markedly by atenolol. A-V nodal conduction was more depressed with acebutolol and atenolol than with pindolol. The His-Purkinje system conduction remained unaffected by all three beta-adrenoceptor blocking agents. 3 During ergometric exercise the depressant action of beta-adrenoceptor blockade on sinus nodal function with lower heart rates and on A-V nodal conduction with slower conduction velocities was equieffective with pindolol, acebutolol and atenolol. His-Purkinje system conduction again remained unchanged with one exception that after administration of pindolol, conduction rate during exercise was faster than before beta-adrenoceptor blockade. 4 It may be concluded that, in patients with low heart rates, an antagonist such as pindolol with relatively pronounced intrinsic sympathomimetic activity can be considered to be the drug of choice. In contrast, patients with higher heart rates at rest should be treated with a cardioselective betablocker without ISA. Patients with overt Sick Sinus Syndrome should not be given beta-adrenoceptor blockers at all. 5 Physical activity may change (improve or impair) the antiarrhythmic potency of beta-adrenoceptor blockers used in the treatment of supraventricular tachycardias or tachyarrhythmias.