[Beta-adrenergic blockers and calcium antagonists in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy].

Effects of beta-blockers (propranolol, penbutolol) and calcium antagonists (nifedipine, verapamil, diltiazem) were studied in 73 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC). Clinical data, ECG and echo-CG findings were assessed. It was found that beta-adrenoblockers and calcium antagonists improve quality of life in one-third of the patients. Penbutolol and nifedipine did so in half of the patients. Neither beta-adrenoblockers nor calcium antagonists decrease myocardial hypertrophy. Calcium antagonists may result in lowering of myocardial contractility while beta-adrenoblockers may increase the ejection fraction. Diltiazem produced a positive effect on diastolic function but had many side effects. Nifedipine increased lethality compared with verapamil and propranolol.