Vasospastic phenomena in patients treated with beta-adrenoceptor blocking agents.

Twenty-one patients developed Raynaud's phenomenon during treatment with beta-adrenoceptor blocking agents. The vasospastic symptoms were obviously related to the treatment, but their pathogenesis is still controversial. A decrease in cardiac output might explain the phenomenon. According to our very preliminary data an alpha-adrenergic dominance caused by a direct effect on the peripheral circulation seems more probable. Vasospastic symptoms may arise after treatment with both cardioselective and non-selective beta blocking agents. Cautious prescription of beta blocking drugs to patients with preexisting peripheral vascular disease is recommended.