Atenolol in the treatment of angina pectoris

Nineteen men, aged 41-64 years, with stable angina pectoris have completed a random double-blind study of atenolol, 50 mg b.i.d., atenolol, 100 mg b.i.d., and placebo. Fifteen patients had subjective improvement on atenolol, two were unchanged and two 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 and in BP. Only the maximal heart rate decreased significantly more on 100 mg atenolol than on 50 mg (p less than 0.01). Fourteen patients had the same or a better physical performance on the 50 mg b.i.d. regimen than on the 100 mg b.i.d. regimen, although this difference was not significant. Sixteen patients had higher bicycle exercise performance on atenolol than on placebo. Disregarding the three 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.