[Therapeutic effect of the cardioselective beta-blocking agent tenormin and its action on the indices of systemic, intracardiac and regional hemodynamics in patients with hypertension].

Cardioselective beta-blocking agent tenormin (atenolol) was used in 55 patients with essential hypertension, Stage II; in 20 of those, central, intracardiac and regional hemodynamics were assessed echocardiographically and rheographically. Tenormin produced a pronounced hypotensive effect within 2-4 weeks of treatment (BP decreasing by 26.8/22.8%). A significant decrease was noted in cardiac index (by 26.8%), heart rate (by 24%), intramyocardial tension (by 21.9%), the myocardial circular fibre shortening rate (by 6.5%), left-ventricular myocardial wall thickness and weight (by 4.5%). Total vascular peripheral resistance did not change significantly (it dropped in half of the patients). Stroke index, output fraction and left-ventricular size remained unchanged. Cerebral and femoral arterial tone also decreased. Tenormin was effective in 5 patients with hypertension combined with bronchial asthma. Owing to its prolonged action, tenormin can be administered once or twice daily, a factor that facilitates considerably prolonged out-patient treatment.