Angina Medication Proven Safe in the Long Term

Researchers studied the calcium antagonist nifedipine, a drug used to treat angina, and found it to be safe and effective for long-term use. The study, published in the Lancet, included more than 3800 patients taking nifedipine and another 3800 patients taking placebo. Results at 5 years showed similar mortality rates for both groups and lower incidence of heart failure and coronary incidents among patients in the nifedipine group. While some research had previously questioned the safety of nifedipine for long-term use, this study proves it can be used safely among patients with coronary disease and angina.