Both haemodynamic and metabolic variables have been shown to be related to the fibre composition and capillary density of skeletal muscle in man. In the present study, the change of several metabolic variables during beta-blockade was investigated and related to muscle fibre composition and capillary density in 28 men with essential hypertension. They had been given atenolol (50 mg/day) or metoprolol (200 mg/day) or propranolol (160 mg/day) for 4-12 months. Serum triglycerides increased during treatment and individual changes were significantly inversely correlated with capillary density. Insulin concentrations in the fasting state and at the end of an i.v. glucose tolerance test were significantly higher during beta-blockade, and individual changes were inversely correlated with capillary density. Furthermore, body weight increased and heart rate decreased, changes that were also correlated with capillary density. It is concluded that many of the previously but poorly understood large interindividual differences in response to beta-blocker treatment may be explained by the degree of development of the capillary net in muscle tissue. Obesity, physical training as well as genetic factors are known determinants of capillary density.