Alternatives to beta-blockade in therapy of hypertension with angina pectoris: role of nifedipine or of labetalol.
1 Patients with combined hypertension and angina pectoris may represent a therapeutic dilemma, with the angina being refractory to conventional beta-blockade. 2 The added benefit of peripheral vasodilation in control of blood pressure is documented in the case of nifedipine. 3 Improved blood pressure control by added nifedipine may not be accompanied by decreased severity of angina pectoris, emphasizing the complex causation of the angina in such patients. 4 The clinically proven added alpha-blocking activity of labetalol distinguishes labetalol from other beta-blockers. However, the suggested benefits of the added alpha-activity in patients with hypertension and angina remain to be proven by further trials in patients.
D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001794:Blood Pressure; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004983:Ethanolamines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005080:Exercise Test; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007741:Labetalol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009543:Nifedipine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011725:Pyridines / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D004983:Ethanolamines; D011725:Pyridines; D009543:Nifedipine; D007741:Labetalol