The clinical and hemodynamic effects of propranolol, propranolol-verapamil (P-V), propranolol-nifedipine (P-N) and propranolol-diltiazem (P-D) were studied in 19 patients with chronic exertional angina pectoris. A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized, crossover study design was used in which patients took each treatment for a 4-week period. The 3 combinations equally reduced the incidence of angina attacks and decreased ST-segment depression. Left ventricular hypokinesia during exercise was lessened and end-systolic volume during exercise decreased with all combinations. Because of a corresponding reduction of normokinetic segmental function, global ejection fraction during exercise remained unchanged. Heart size increased (p less than 0.05) and the PR interval lengthened (p less than 0.001) with P-V and P-D compared to P-N. The largest number of adverse clinical reactions occurred with P-V, whereas the fewest occurred with P-D. Almost all patients preferred combined therapy over propranolol and many favored 1 combination over the others. In summary, when therapy with combined beta- and calcium channel-blocking drugs is planned, P-D should be considered the combination of first choice because of its low incidence of adverse clinical effects. In the presence of possible or definite abnormalities of atrioventricular nodal conduction or decreased left ventricular function, P-N should be considered. Although P-V is associated with frequent adverse reactions, a trial may be warranted if the other combinations are unsuccessful.