Anti-Anginal and Metabolic Effects of Carvedilol and Atenolol in Patients with Stable Angina Pectoris: A Prospective, Randomized, Parallel, Open-Label Study

Background While recent guidelines have suggested the potential for beta-blockers as first-line agents in chronic stable angina, few data regarding comparative anti-anginal and metabolic effects between beta-blockers with and without vasodilating properties have been reported, particularly in patients with angina pectoris. Objective Our objective was to compare the anti-anginal and metabolic effects of carvedilol and atenolol in patients with stable angina pectoris. Methods A total of 89 patients (mean age 54.9 ± 9.3 years; male 53.9 %) with stable angina pectoris were randomly assigned to carvedilol ( n = 43) or atenolol ( n = 46). The subjects undertook an exercise treadmill test and completed the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ); metabolic parameters were measured at baseline and 6 months after treatment. Results The baseline characteristics of both groups were well balanced. Both carvedilol and atenolol significantly reduced heart rate from baseline (76 ± 11 to 66 ± 9 beat/min, p < 0.001; 74 ± 9 to 64 ± 9 beat/min, p < 0.001, respectively) with no significant changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Improvement of time to ST-segment depression during the treadmill exercise and the SAQ scores for angina stability and frequency after 6 months of treatment were similar between groups. There was no significant change from baseline in the level of fasting glucose, insulin, or glycated hemoglobin in either group. However, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels significantly reduced to a greater extent with carvedilol than with atenolol (−23 vs. −10 and –38 vs. –24 %, respectively, p < 0.05 for both), although the rate of statin use was comparable. No changes were seen in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels after 6 months of treatment in both groups compared with baseline. Conclusions Both carvedilol and atenolol had a similar anti-anginal effect. Compared with atenolol, carvedilol might have more beneficial effects on lipid metabolism in patients with stable angina pectoris [ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02547597].