Atenolol in the Treatment of Angina Pectoris

Abstract

Nineteen men, aged 41-64 yr, with stable angina pectoris completed a random double-blind study of atenolol, 50 mg twice daily, atenolol, 100 mg twice daily and placebo. Patients (15) had subjective improvement on atenolol, 2 were unchanged and 2 felt worse (because of asthenia/leg fatigue). No significant placebo effect was found. On both atenolol dosages there were highly significant reductions in heart rate at rest and during exercise. Only the maximal heart rate decreased significantly more on 100 mg atenolol than on 50 mg (P < 0.01). Of the patients, 14 had the same or a better physical performance on the 50 mg regimen than on the 100 mg regimen, although this difference was not significant; 16 patients had higher bicycle exercise performance on atenolol than on placebo. Disregarding the 3 non-responders, a mean increase of 44% in bicycle performance was found. No serious side-effects were seen. Most individuals reported an increased feeling of well-being on atenolol.