[The effects of atenolol on the exercise symptoms of coronary patients. A double blind study (author's transl)].

In an acute trial on the bicycle ergometer, the beta-receptor blocker atenolol in single morning doses of 50 mg produced a significant reduction in blood pressure, heart rate and ischaemic changes in the ECG. Parallel to this there was an increase in the load resistance of the patients. The majority of the parameters show no further changes at double the dosage. In the chronic trial with treatment periods of four weeks each, the substance is distinctly superior to placebo with regard to the frequency of angina.