Improved physical performance as a therapeutic objective in patients with angina.

Abstract 1 Improvement in physical performance, based on exercise tolerance, self-assessed work and physician-rated functional capacities, is proposed as a measure of efficacy of anti-anginal therapy in the rehabilitation of the cardiac patient. 2 Improved physical performance parallels changes in frequency of anginal attacks and a nitroglycerin requirements following β-blocker therapy. 3 Nadolol (a β-blocker), given once daily is as effective as propranolol, given four times daily as an anti-anginal agent.