Hemodynamic Effect of a β-Adrenergic Blocker (Propranolol) in Tilted Position

Abstract

Hemodynamic effect of a [beta]-adrenergic blocker (propranolol) was studied in tilted position in 40 cases of non-anesthetized human subjects. Heart rate and cardiac index in recumbent position were slightly lower in cases treated with propranolol than in control cases. Propranolol abolished the increase hi heart rate with tilting, with concomitant accentuation of the decrease in cardiac index. Stroke index remained unchanged. Slight increase in heart size was also suggested. Systolic blood pressure tended to decrease with propranolol in upright position, but diastolic blood pressure showed little change. Propranolol showed no effect on blood shift with tilting. Importance of [beta]-adrenergic drive of the heart in tilted position was suggested from these data.