Table 1. Comparison between atenolol and diltiazem
Atenolol
Diltiazem
Drug class
Beta-blockers
Calcium channel blockers
Main action
Negative inotropic
Negative chronotropic
Anti-ischemic
Anti-arrhythmic
Anti-arrhythmic
Positive lusitropic
Theoretical benefit
Relief of outflow tract obstruction
Heart rate control
Antiarrhythmic
Heart rate control
Improved LV relaxation