Negative Chronotropic Effect of β-Blockade Therapy Reduces Myocardial Oxygen Expenditure for Nonmechanical Work

Abstract

The negative chronotropic effect of a beta-blocking agent may offset the mechanoenergetical deterioration resulting from its negative inotropic effect through a reduction in oxygen expenditure for nonmechanical work. These findings suggest that the negative chronotropic effect is an important aspect of beta-blockade therapy.