[Ergometric evaluation of the cardioprotective effect of pindolol in coronary disease. Comparison of 2 galenic forms].

In a dose of 5 mg three times daily, the beta-blocker pindolol (Visken Sandoz) has been shown to provide protection against both the signs and the symptoms of myocardial ischaemia. The purpose of the present study was to ascertain whether the same degree of protection is provided by a single daily dose of a slow-release formulation containing 20 mg pindolol. - Twelve patients with confirmed coronary heart disease were included in the study, which was carried out using a bicycle ergometer. The exercise tests were performed 2 hours after drug administration and again immediately before the next dose was due. These times are assumed to correspond to the maximum and minimum plasma levels of pindolol respectively. - The results show no statistically significant difference between the 20 mg form of the drug once a day and the 5 mg form 3 times daily with regard to the effect on heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), the product of HR and BP, and S-T segment changes (Cohn score) either at rest, during maximum effort, or 3 minutes after exercise. - It is concluded that 20 mg slow-release pindolol once daily is an effective anti-anginal therapy similar in its properties to 5 mg 3 times daily.