Vitamin E in angina pectoris

Can Med Assoc J. 1974 Feb 16;110(4):401-6.

Abstract

The claim that the symptoms of angina pectoris can usually be relieved by large doses of vitamin E has been reinvestigated by means of a randomized double-blind trial. The trial lasted nine weeks and consisted of two parts. One part was conducted as a regular double-blind trial involving 40 patients, half of whom received 3200 IU of vitamin E daily, while an equal number received an indistinguishable placebo. The second part of the trial involved 15 patients who were already taking a regular daily dose of between 400 and 2400 IU of vitamin E. Eight patients were assigned the same (or a larger) dose of vitamin E, while seven received placebo. Neither part of the trial yielded statistically convincing evidence that vitamin E is of value in the treatment of angina, but a small beneficial effect could not be ruled out. Taken in conjunction with the positive (but statistically non-significant) results obtained in the only other double-blind trial of vitamin E ever carried out on angina, and the encouraging results reported by other investigators in the treatment of intermittent claudication, it is suggested that further double-blind trials are justified.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Angina Pectoris / drug therapy*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nitroglycerin / therapeutic use
  • Pain / drug therapy
  • Placebos
  • Vitamin E / administration & dosage*
  • Vitamin E / adverse effects

Substances

  • Placebos
  • Vitamin E
  • Nitroglycerin