The effect of propranolol on the pressor response to exercise in coarctation of the aorta.

In a patient with coarctation of the aorta, blood pressure and heart rate were measured during graded exercise on a bicycle ergometer. After no treatment, and after oral hydrallazine, exercise produced large rises in systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and in heart rate. During exercise after oral propranolol, systolic and diastolic pressures did not increase, and there was a less marked tachycardia. These results suggest that propranolol should be used to minimize the dangers of elevated blood pressure associated with exercise in patients with coarctation.