Tolerability of combined treatment with verapamil and beta-blockers in angina resistant to monotherapy

We have used a combination of a beta-blocker and verapamil to treat 42 consecutive patients with angina resistant to either agent alone. Patients with heart failure, heart block or uncontrolled hypertension were excluded. The mean duration of follow-up was 6.5 months. Thirty-six patients (81%) reported an improvement and the number of angina attacks was reduced from 17/week to 5/week. Side effects necessitated withdrawal of one or both drugs in 6 patients, 2 of whom developed bradyarrhythmias not solely related to drug treatment. The most common complication was mild left ventricular failure (6) treated by reducing or stopping the beta-blocker. The data suggest that the combination of verapamil and a beta-blocker may be used in a relatively unselected group of patients with difficult angina. However, as dosage adjustment and close observation may be necessary to minimise side effects, the use of this combination should be limited to hospital practice.