['Beta blockers and calcium antagonists are widely used in the management of angina pectoris in the belief that the combination is more efficacious than either drug alone.', 'This double blind randomised crossover placebo controlled study compares the effects of nicardipine, atenolol and their combination in 30 patients with chronic stable angina. Each treatment period lasted 6 weeks with dose titration after 3 weeks. Symptom limited treadmill exercise testing and radionuclide ventriculography at rest was carried out at the end of each treatment period.', 'Total exercise duration and time to 1-mm ST-segment depression was significantly prolonged by nicardipine and atenolol when compared to placebo, the combination offered no additional benefit. Time to onset of angina was significantly prolonged by nicardipine and the combination but not by atenolol. Indices of left ventricular function were not significantly affected by any treatment other than an increase in left ventricular end diastolic volume on atenolol and the combination.'] Is atenolol or nicardipine alone as efficacious in stable angina as their combination : a double blind randomised trial?