| Abstract
| - The effect of a1-adrenoceptor blockade (doxazosin, 4 mg daily) on maximal V02 and physical endurance capacity in 16 mildly hypertensive, athletic men was investigated in a randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind, two-period of 4 weeks, cross-over study. The maximal workload obtained during graded bicycle ergometer exercise and the corresponding maximal V02 were reduced by 16 ± 3 W (mean ± SE),(P = .00003) and 3 ± 1mV (kg • min) (P = .0004), respectively, on doxazosin compared with placebo. The running time on a 5000 m track increased by 43 ± 12 sec on doxazosin (P = .04). Heart rate was unchanged during the running session. Systolic blood pressure was reduced by 9 ± 4.1 mm Hg (P = .04) immediately after finishing 5000 m. Six subjects reported side effects from doxazosin (headache, fatigue, and leg pain). Thus, antihypertensive treatment with aa- selective adrenoceptor blockade moderately, but significantly, reduces maximal 02 consumption and high intensity physical endurance capacity in mildly hypertensive athletic men. Significantly reduced systolic blood pressure and unchanged heart rate immediately after running, combined with unchanged heart rate during the race may, however, suggest a safer exercise performance. Am J Hypertens 1994;7:603-608
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