What effect does Propranolol have on patients with angina?

Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker commonly used in managing various cardiovascular conditions, including angina. Its mechanism of action involves blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, which leads to a decrease in heart rate and myocardial contractility. This reduction in cardiac workload and oxygen demand is beneficial for patients experiencing angina symptoms.

However, while propranolol typically provides relief from angina by reducing the frequency and severity of anginal episodes, in certain situations, especially during the initial phase of treatment, it may not be effective in some patients or could even exacerbate symptoms. This is more likely to occur if the medication is not titrated carefully or if the patient has specific underlying conditions, such as coronary artery spasm.

Therefore, it’s important to monitor patients closely when initiating propranolol therapy for angina. The answer that indicates that propranolol may exacerbate angina reflects the need for careful management and highlights that responses to the medication can vary among individuals based on their condition and response to treatment.