The effects of atenolol (100 mg/day) and nifedipine (60 mg/day) on angina symptoms and exercise tolerance were compared in an open, randomized study. Twelve-week treatment period was compared with two weeks of placebo treatment in 51 patients with chronic stable angina pectoris. Mean frequency of angina attacks decreased significantly from 8.3 to 1.6 attacks per week after atenolol treatment (p < or = 0.05). Both drugs increased exercise tolerance to development of signs of ischemia on electrocardiogram (p < or = 0.05) and increased maximal exercise tolerance as well (p < or = 0.05). Mean ST segment depressions at peak exercise were significantly decreased after treatment with atenolol and nifedipine (p < or = 0.05). Both drugs also increased total exercise capacity in comparison with placebo period, stated as 100%:192% after atenolol and to 191% after nifedipine. No significant changes of heart rate and blood pressure were noted during treatment period. Twelve patients did not finished study, two of them suffered myocardial infarction with death in one of them (atenolol group, other one nifedipine group). Thus, atenolol in one daily dose is as effective as nifedipine in chronic stable angina patients when administered as single therapy.

Keywords: Adult; Aged; Angina Pectoris /drug therapy/; Atenolol /adverse effects/; Exercise Test; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nifedipine /adverse effects/