EFFECT OF A NEW ADRENERGIC β‐BLOCKING AGENT, H 56/28, ON NERVOUS HEART COMPLAINTS

Abstract

Abstract The effect of a new adrenergic β‐receptor blocking agent H 56/28 has been studied in fourteen patients with nervous heart complaints, mainly palpitations. Organic heart disease and hyperthyroidism were excluded. The investigation was performed as a double blind test. During a first treatment period half of the patients received H 56/28 and the other half placebo‐tablets; during the second period the treatment was reversed. The patients were also studied during repeated exercise tests. The heart rate during exercise was significantly reduced by H 56/28 and there was also a slight, though not significant, decrease of the systolic blood pressure. In addition to the immediate effect, H 56/28 treatment seemed to have a more prolonged lowering effect on the heart rate. No side effects of the drug worth mentioning were seen. All but three patients preferred H 56/28 to placebo. The β‐blocker was especially effective in relieving palpitations. It is concluded that β‐blocking agents might be of value in treating patients with nervous heart complaints.