Effect of propranolol (inderal) on exercise tolerance in angina pectoris.

Abstract

The effect of beta-adrenergic blockade with propranolol (Inderal) in angina pectoris was investigated by means of a standardized exercise tolerance test. Fourteen patients without evidence of left ventricular failure, who were limited by angina in an initial test, were studied after an inert injection and after propranolol. Five patients with severe angina showed some improvement in exercise tolerance after propranolol. Nine patients with moderate angina showed a significant increase in exercise tolerance beyond that found after the inert injection. These findings suggest that beta-adrenergic blockade improves the exercise tolerance of some patients with angina pectoris. The possible deleterious effects of the associated reduction in myocardial contractility and in peripheral blood flow must be borne in mind in considering the therapeutic use of propranolol in patients with ischemic heart disease.