Decreased myocardial oxygen consumption and demand

Less stress on potentially ischemic myocardium owing to decreased heart rate and myocardial contractility

Attenuation of effects of endogenous catecholamines

Redistribution of coronary blood flow to ischemic areas

Increased coronary blood flow owing to increased diastolic time

Plaque stabilization owing to decrease in shear forces

Cardiac antidysrhythmic effects

Antiinflammatory effects (?)