What medication increases vascular peripheral resistance, increases blood pressure, and decreases heart rate?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: February 13, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the Research

Medication Effects on Vascular Peripheral Resistance, Blood Pressure, and Heart Rate

  • The medication that increases vascular peripheral resistance, increases blood pressure, and decreases heart rate is not explicitly stated in the provided studies. However, some studies suggest that beta blockers can increase vascular peripheral resistance as a reflex response to the decrease in cardiac output 1, 2.
  • Beta blockers without strong intrinsic sympathomimetic activity can reduce heart rate and cardiac output, but may not immediately reduce blood pressure due to a reflex increase in total peripheral resistance index 1.
  • In contrast, alpha-adrenergic receptor blockers, such as prazosin, can reduce blood pressure via a reduction in total peripheral resistance index without reflex tachycardia 1.
  • The study on phenylephrine (PE) and Angiotensin II (Ang II) suggests that PE-mediated vasoconstriction can increase vascular peripheral resistance, blood pressure, and decrease cardiac output, while Ang II-mediated vasoconstriction has different effects on arterial stiffness and hemodynamics 3.
  • Another study found that beta-blocker therapy was associated with a chronic reduction in cardiac output and heart rate, and usually no reduction in total peripheral resistance index below pretreatment values 4.

Key Findings

  • Beta blockers can increase vascular peripheral resistance as a reflex response to the decrease in cardiac output 1, 2.
  • Alpha-adrenergic receptor blockers can reduce blood pressure via a reduction in total peripheral resistance index without reflex tachycardia 1.
  • Phenylephrine-mediated vasoconstriction can increase vascular peripheral resistance, blood pressure, and decrease cardiac output 3.
  • Beta-blocker therapy is associated with a chronic reduction in cardiac output and heart rate, and usually no reduction in total peripheral resistance index below pretreatment values 4.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.