Pressor responses from noncardioselective beta-blockers.

This study reviews more than fifty papers dealing with pressor responses from noncardioselective beta-blockers. It is concluded that the responses are usually mild. They occur mainly in situations of increased sympathetic activity. Therefore some patients seem to be at risk, eg, patients with unstable diabetes type 1, sportsmen performing isometric exercise, and heavy smokers. In orthostatic hypotension, noncardioselective beta-blockers may be beneficial. Cardiac output tends, however, to decrease, and patients with orthostatic hypotension will probably not benefit from this effect.