The effect of propranolol on left ventricular function at rest and during exercise in patients with ischemic heart disease.

Twelve patients with ischemic heart disease were investigated by right and left heart catheterisation. All patients were studied at rest and during exercise, both before and after administration of beta-blocker propranolol, Inderal (ICI). Left ventricular function decreased after administration of propranolol, but these changes were significant only during exercise. Contractility was depressed after administration of propranolol already at rest. On the other hand, left ventricular filling pressure decreased after administration of propranolol. Our results show the poor reliability of the evaluation of the left ventricular function based solely on the left ventricular filling pressure.