[Effect of bisoprolol in coronary heart disease. Effect on cardiovascular parameters and ischemic ST depression: studies on the duration of the effect].

A beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, bisoprolol, was given by mouth, 5 and 10 mg doses per 24 hours, in a double-blind randomized cross-over trial to 12 patients with stable coronary-heart disease. Ischaemia criteria proved not reproducible in control ergometry tests on two patients, leaving ten patients for further evaluation. On two days, one week apart, bicycle ergometry was undertaken until the occurrence of ST segment depression of at least 0.3 mV, often associated with angina. Four, eight and 24 hours after the drug had been taken, the ergometry was repeated to the same maximal Watt level and duration of exercise. Heart rate and pressure-rate product at rest, as well as the same parameters including ST segment depressions immediately at the end of exercise, significantly fell after bisoprolol during the entire trial period independently of the dose. There was no sign of reduced effectiveness 24 hours after drug intake. The results indicate that treatment of stable angina with bisoprolol can be achieved with a single daily dose.