• Biopsy-proven cirrhosis of any etiology, including hepatitis B or C. No primary biliary cirrhosis.
• Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) at least 6 mm Hg.
• Histologic slides available for review OR liver-spleen scan compatible with cirrhosis if biopsy older than 5 years. Repeat biopsy required if scan incompatible OR HVPG at least 10 mm Hg and any of the following clinical features suggestive of cirrhosis: telangiectasias, palmar erythema, muscle wasting, liver hard and nodular, or splenomegaly, hypoalbuminemia, hyperbilirubinemia, or prolonged prothrombin time, liver-spleen scan with colloid shift to spleen or bone marrow, collaterals visualized by ultrasound or CT.
• Gastroesophageal varices negative by endoscopy within 3 months prior to randomization.
• Independent verification by 2 endoscopists required.
• No ascites requiring specific treatment, e.g., diuretics, paracentesis, peritoneovenous shunt.
• Ascites controlled by salt restriction alone allowed.
• No splenic or portal vein thrombosis by Doppler-ultrasound.
• No primary sclerosing cholangitis.
• No radiologically or histologically proven hepatocellular carcinoma.

Prior/Concurrent Therapy

• At least 1 month since participation in another pharmacologic clinical trial.
• At least 1 month since drugs that may affect splanchnic hemodynamics or portal pressure, e.g., beta-blockers, clonidine prazosin, nitrates molsidomine

Patient Characteristics

• Life expectancy: At least 1 year
• Other: Eligibility determined on an individual basis for the following: aortic valve stenosis, atrioventricular block, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with positive bronchoconstrictive test, heart failure, hypersensitivity to beta-blockers, insulin-dependent diabetes, organic psychosis, peripheral vascular disease.
• No alcohol intake during titration period.
• No pregnant women.
• Effective contraception required of fertile women.