[Hemodynamic changes under metoprolol compared to propranolol in hypertensive patients].

The effect of the new beta-receptor-blocking drug metoprolol on hemodynamics and plasma renin activity was studied at rest and during exercise. 5 patients with essential hypertension were investigated before, 4 weeks after and 8 weeks after oral treatment (3 X 50 mg day). The results were compared to data of 5 patients under propranolol matched according to age, arterial blood pressure, and renin concentration. Metoprolol leads to a significant fall in renin and heart rate, whereas cardiac index is depressed only during exercise. Peripheral resistance remains unchanged and left ventricular filling pressure rises slightly. This results in a slight fall in arterial blood pressure. In comparison with propranolol the hemodynamic and renin patterns under metoprolol are similar, the only difference being the slighter fall in blood pressure due to a less depressed cardiac index.