Journal of investigative medicine : the official publication of the American Federation for Clinical Research
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Patients with isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) have been noted to be less responsive to β-blockers than patients with essential hypertension (HTN). The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between blood pressure (BP) and heart rate in ISH. ⋯ The noted relationship of heart rate to systolic BP and pulse pressure may in part explain the lower efficacy of β-blockers in patients with ISH. The rate-lowering effects of these medications may result in an increase in systolic and pulse pressures.