Effects of work and acute beta-receptor blockade on myocardial noradrenaline release in congestive cardiomyopathy.

Systemic hemodynamic changes and noradrenaline concentrations in coronary sinus blood were studied at rest and during work before and after acute beta-receptor blockade. Patients with congestive cardiomyopathy were compared to patients with primary valvular diseases and to healthy subjects. Noradrenaline concentrations were higher in coronary sinus blood than in arterial blood and increased after beta blockade and during work. Noradrenaline concentrations were more increased in patients with more pronounced myocardial failure and did not seem to separate patients with congestive cardiomyopathy from those with valvular disease. Patients with congestive cardiomyopathy showed a good hemodynamic tolerance toward acute beta blockade.