Authors' objectives:

The aim of this report is to assess the use of beta-blockers, calcium antagonists, nitrates, and alternative therapies for stable angina.

Authors' recommendations: Beta-blockers were associated with fewer episodes of angina when compared with calcium antagonists in general and with nifedipine in particular. Important differences in mortality could not be determined because the trials were short in duration (median 4 weeks). Fewer adverse events leading to study withdrawal occurred with beta-blockers compared with calcium antagonists. Commonly reported side effects were similar or greater in the calcium antagonists group compared with the beta-blocker group. There were no obvious differences in any outcome measures between beta-blockers and non-nifedipine calcium antagonists. Few studies compared long-acting nitrates with beta-blockers or with calcium antagonists. Randomized trials of alternative therapies for patients with stable angina were too small and too few to provide conclusive findings.

Authors' methods: Review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/epcsums/anginasum.htm

Year Published: 1999

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: United States

Organisation Name: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Contact Address: Center for Outcomes and Evidence Technology Assessment Program, 540 Gaither Road, Rockville, MD 20850, USA. Tel: +1 301 427 1610; Fax: +1 301 427 1639;

Contact Name: martin.erlichman@ahrq.hhs.gov

Contact Email: martin.erlichman@ahrq.hhs.gov

Copyright: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)