The effect of sustained beta-adrenergic blockade (BB) on the hemodynamic response to graded exercise has been studied in 31 patients with high blood pressure. Hemodynamic investigations were conducted during a control period and were repeated after 1 mo of BB. Similar readjustments were observed at rest and during submaximal and maximal exercise. No significant change occurred in maximal physical working capacity during beta blockade. This resulted from hemodynamic readjustments. Maximal exercise heart rate was reduced by 34%, and this was compensated for by a 31% enhancement in stroke index. Consequently cardiac index decreased by only 14%. In the Fick equation the decrease in cardiac index was further compensated by an increase of the total arteriovenous O2 difference of 8%, thereby maintaining O2 delivery to the tissues. At maximal exercise mean brachial artery pressure dropped 14.5%, while mean pulmonary artery pressure increased by 20%. It is concluded that the compensatory action of the stroke volume, resulting from the interaction of an increased preload and a decreased impedance, played a major role in the hemodynamic readjustments following chronic BB to maintain maximal working capacity.