Beta-blockers were associated with fewer episodes of angina when compared with calcium antagonists in general and with nifedipine in particular.
Important differences in mortality could not be determined because the trials were short in duration (median 4 weeks).
Fewer adverse events leading to study withdrawal occurred with beta-blockers compared with calcium antagonists.
Commonly reported side effects were similar or greater in the calcium antagonists group compared with the beta-blocker group.
There were no obvious differences in any outcome measures between beta-blockers and non-nifedipine calcium antagonists.
Few studies compared long-acting nitrates with beta-blockers or with calcium antagonists.
Randomized trials of alternative therapies for patients with stable angina were too small and too few to provide conclusive findings.