MEDizzy - A 22-year-old m an was admitted to the hospital for

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Antiadrenergic drugs

A 22-year-old m an was admitted to the hospital for evaluation of a faint systolic murmur and an unusual electrocardiogram reading. After clinical and lab evaluation, a diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was made, and propranolol was prescribed. Which of the following actions most likely contributed to the therapeutic efficacy of the drug in the patient’s disease?

ExplanationB In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the stiff , noncompliant ventricle resists diastolic filling. This can cause insufficient end-diastolic volume and therefore diastolic failure. Beta- blockers slow the heart rate, which allows an increased duration of diastole and thus more complete diastolic filling. They also decrease myocardial contractility, which increases ventricle compliance.