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[Comparative effect of atenolol and verapamil in exertion angina. A single-blind crossed study with computerized
Insights
Verapamil and Atenolol show similar effectiveness in improving exercise performance and reducing ischemic pain during stress tests. Both medications offer comparable anti-ischemic benefits, despite different mechanisms of action.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ischemic heart disease management often involves medications with different mechanisms.
- Comparing the efficacy of calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers is crucial for treatment optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the anti-ischemic activity of Verapamil and Atenolol.
- To evaluate their effects on exercise performance and ischemic symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A single-blind study design was employed.
- Computerized stress tests were used to assess cardiac function.
- Verapamil (360 mg/24 h) and Atenolol (100 mg/24 h) were administered.
Main Results:
- Both Verapamil and Atenolol demonstrated similar improvements in exercise performance.
- A comparable decrease in ST-segment depression was observed at the end of stress.
- The frequency of study interruptions due to chest pain was similar for both drugs.
Conclusions:
- Verapamil and Atenolol exhibit comparable anti-ischemic effects.
- Both medications appear to be similarly effective in improving exercise capacity and reducing ischemic pain during stress testing.
Abstract:
The anti-ischemic activity of Verapamil (360 mg/24 h) is compared with a cardioselective betablocker, Atenolol (100 mg/24 h), in a single blind study with computerized stress tests. Although acting through different mechanisms, and are evaluated indirectly by measurements with equal cardiac work and frequency, the improvement of the performance, the decrease of the sub-denivellation at the end of the stress and the frequency of interruption because of pain, seem approximately similar for both medications.