Why the study?
Does withdrawal of beta-blocker treatment cause a rebound increase in sympathetic response?
Does withdrawal of beta-blocker treatment cause a rebound increase in sympathetic response?
Withdrawal of beta-blockers after one or more weeks of therapy causes a rebound increase in sympathetic response, suggesting adrenergic hypersensitivity.
May support gradual beta-blocker tapering after prolonged use; leaves open confirmation of thresholds and mechanisms in prospective trials.
We investigated the possibility of a rebound increase in sympathetic response after stopping beta-blocker treatment by measuring heart rate under conditions of increased sympathetic drive, as provided by standing with vasodilatation, or the Valsalva manoeuvure. Significant rebound increases in heart rate were observed after stopping propranolol given for one or more weeks but not when given for only four days. The amplitude of the rebound heart rate relative to the control heart rate off beta-blockers was similar after propranolol, atenolol, oxprenolol, or acebutolol, and in hyperthyroid subjects.
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Ross et al. (1981) studied this question.
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