Calcium channel blockers, including Adalat and Procardia (nifedipine), Cardizem (dilitiazem), and Calan (verapamil), will increase baseline exercise capacity in patients with pre-existing angina and have no effect on those patients without angina. During rest and exercise, nifedipine increases heart rate and decreases blood pressure. Dilitiazem and verapamil decrease both heart rate and blood pressure during rest and exercise.
Nitrate medications or nitroglycerin increase heart rate and blood pressure during rest and exercise. They will increase baseline exercise capacity in patients with pre-existing angina and have no effect on those patients without angina. In patients with CHF, nitrates will increase or have no affect on baseline exercise capacity.