Acute effects of salbutamol on systemic vascular function in people with asthma.

Background: Asthmatics are at increased cardiovascular disease risk, which has been linked to beta2(β)-agonist use. Inhalation of β-agonists increases sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) in healthy individuals, however the systemic impact of salbutamol in asthmatics using β-agonists regularly is unknown.

Objectives: This study compared the systemic vascular responses to a clinical dose of salbutamol (Phase I) and following an acute increase in SNA (Phase II) in asthmatics and controls.