The effects of alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptor blockers on the pressure responses to isometric exercise in hypertensive patients

1. The cardiovascular responses to handgrip exercise have been studied in ten patients with uncomplicated essential hypertension in a randomized crossover study of propranolol and prazosin. 2. Isometric handgrip exercise was performed with a calibrated strain gauge dynamometer at 30% of maximum voluntary contraction for 3 min. 3. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured in the supine position at rest and in the last 10 s of the exercise period. 4. These exercise studies were undertaken at the end of a run-in period and at the end of 1 month's optimal therapy with the two drugs. 5. The active treatment periods were separated by a 2 weeks placebo washout period. 6. Both drugs lowered the supine and standing systolic and diastolic pressures and there was no difference between these drugs in their effect on these variables. 7. Propranolol lowered the resting heart rate and neither drug suppressed the pressor response to isometric exercise. 8. The degree of pressure rise was similar with both drugs but propranolol suppressed isometric exercise-induced tachycardia.