Beta-blockers have been reported to have a variable effect on a number of haemostatic
parameters. In view of their possible protective action in coronary artery disease,
we studied the effect of the new long-acting beta-blocker, carteolol, on platelet
function, coagulation and blood viscosity in 10 healthy male volunteers. Following
carteolol (5 mg. orally) blood was taken at 2, 5 and 24 hours and we were able to
demonstrate a significant inhibition of platelet aggregation to ADP, adrenaline and
collagen (p< 0.05) at 5 hours post ingestion, but not at 2 or 24 hours. Platelet release
as measured by plasma levels of beta-thromboglobulin, platelet count, fibrinopeptide
A, whole blood viscosity and plasma viscosity was also unaltered.
