Physical fitness during antihypertensive treatment: Results of combined treatment with a calcium antagonist and a beta blocker

In a random double-blind experimental study the influence of a beta blocker-calcium antagonist combination (10 mg nifedipine/100 mg acebutolol) on physical performance, metabolism and plasma catecholamines was investigated in a cross-over placebo comparison. Under the combination maximum oxygen uptake was reduced by 2%, and running time in endurance running tests was shorter by 19%. Blood levels of glucose and lactate remained uninfluenced, while the concentrations of glycerol were reduced by 9 - 15%, but not statistically significantly. The concentrations of the plasma catecholamines were elevated by 20% under the combination. The rating of perceived exertion was only marginally higher as compared with placebo. When compared with therapy with a beta blocker alone in a dose producing an adequate anti-hypertensive effect the nifedipine/acebutolol combination investigated shows a smaller impairment of physical performance. This is attributable to the comparatively smaller hemodynamic and metabolic changes resulting from the small beta blocker component.