Anti-anginal effect of Tenormin (atenolol)

The anti-anginal effect of Tenormin (atenolol) has been examined besides placebo control by single blind method in 20 patients with ischaemic heart disease, suffering from stable effort angina proved by coronarography. It has been observed that atenolol significantly decreases the weekly number of anginal attacks, and the amount of sublingual nitroglycerin consumption. It has been proved that atenolol successfully prevents the exercise-induced elevation of blood pressure and heart rate, increases exercise tolerance, decreases myocardial O2 consumption. The place among beta-blockers of the cardioselective, low lipophilic atenolol, which lacks membrane stabilizing and partial agonist activity, has been discussed. The administration of a single daily dose (one 100-mg tablet), selective cardiac effect, lack of unwanted side-effects (cold extremity, nightmare, insomnia, etc.) are the advantages of the drug.