Metoprolol and Formoterol in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Inclusion Criteria: * male/female aged between 40-70 inclusive * COPD defined by GOLD criteria * FEV1 greater or equal to 60% of predicted without medication * baseline FEV1 greater or equal than 1.2L * 10 or more pack years * no hard contraindications for use of beta blockers * being able to perform technically acceptable pulmonary function tests * signed informed consent * systolic blood pressure equal to 130 or greater Exclusion Criteria: * instable COPD during the month before visit 1 * usage of corticosteroids during the month before visit 1 * significant pulmonary diseases other than COPD * a history of cancer within the last 5 years (basal cell carcinoma or cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma allowed) * a recent history of myocardial infarction * use of an investigational drug within one month or six half lives (which ever is greater) of visit 1 * contra-indications for the use of ipratropium-bromide