Treatment of stable angina pectoris with calcium antagonists alone or combined with beta-blocking agents: a review of the literature.

The calcium antagonists are presently accepted as the treatment of choice for vasospastic angina. They are accepted by some as a good second choice therapy in the treatment of stable angina pectoris, while by others as an excellent first choice in its treatment. When introduced to the North American market, warning was given of the risk of left ventricular failure and/or atrioventricular block from their combination with beta-blockers. Perhaps now a deeper knowledge of their hemodynamic and electrophysiologic properties allows us to conceptualize potent and safe anti-anginal associations by use, in specific patients, of differing combinations. Thus we must learn to use with care and flair this new form of treatment which offers our severely afflicted patients much greater symptomatic relief.