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European Heart Journal 1995 16(9):1264-1268;
Copyright © 1995 by the European Society of Cardiology.
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© 1995 The European Society of Cardiology

Beta adrenergic blockade does not improve effort tolerance in patients with mitral stenosis in sinus rhythm

J. J. PATEL, R. B. DYER and A. S. MITHA

Department of Cardiology, University of NatallWentworth Hospital Durban, South Africa

revised 25 November 1994; accepted 21 December 1994.

Correspondence. Dr J J. Patel, Dept of Cardiology. Wentworth Hospital. Private Bag, 4026 Jacobs, South Africa.

Abstract

Objectives: This study was designed to assess the effects of beta-blockade on cardiopulmonary exercise performance in symptomatic patients with tight mitral stenosis in sinus rhythm.

Background: The role of beta-blockers in these patients has been controversial and assessment of effort tolerance using treadmill exercise time has produced conflicting results.

Methods: Nineteen patients with isolated symptomatic (New York Heart Association class II or III) mitral stenosis received a beta-blocker (acebutalol or atenolol) or matching placebo for one week each in a randomized double-blind crossover fashion. Exercise on a treadmill with real time gas exchange analysis was performed six times over 4 weeks in each patient. The test was further repeated once within a week of percutaneous mitral valvotomy.

Results: Heart rate at rest and during peak exercise was significantly lower with beta-blockade compared to control state or placebo treatment. Mean peak oxygen consumption did not differ significantly between treatment groups. When patients were arbitrarily classified into those with (group I, heart rate {theta} 130. min–1) and those without (group II, heart rate {theta} 131. min–1) adequate beta-blockade, there was a significant difference in peak VO2. The peak VO2for group I: 14.0 ± 3.2 vs 17.5 ± 4.0 ml. min–1. kg–1; peak VO2 for group If: 17.2 ±2.4 vs 180 ± 2.4 ml. min–1. kg–1 (beta-blockade vs control state respectively). Treadmill exercise time did not differ between treatment groups. The slope of minute ventilation (MV) and carbon dioxide (CO2) excretion, and instantaneous carbon dioxide ventilatory equivalent (MVIVCO2) was unchanged with beta-blocker therapy indicating no improvement in ventilatory performance.

Conclusions: Beta-blocker therapy in tight mitral stenosis appears to have no beneficial effect on aerobic capacity, nor does it improve ventilatory performance. Adequate beta-blockade may adversely effect peak oxygen consumption.

Key Words: Beta-blockers • mitral stenosis • cardiopulmonary exercise performance • sinus rhythm


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