Long-term propranolol therapy for angina pectoris.

Sixty-three patients with stable, severe typical angina pectoris (New York Heart Association functional class III or IV) were treated with propranolol and studied prospectively with a follow-up period of 5 to 8 years to assess the rate of complications and long-term effectiveness after an initial control period. The patients' mean age was 56 years; the mean daily dose of propranolol was 255 mg. The average yearly mortality rate was 3.