[Beta-blockader, pindolol, in the therapy of angina pectoris; a report on a multicentric controlled study]

68 patients with angina pectoris were treated 14 days with placebo and four weeks with 15 mg/die pindolol (Visken) in a double blind multicenter study. The patients were divided into two groups at random: group I received pindolol/placebo, group II pacebo/pindolol. Pindolol reduced in both groups significantly the number and intensity of angina pectoris attacks and the consumption of nitroglycerin capsules. There was no evidence for a rebound phenomenon after abrupt cessation of pindolol treatment. In the wash out period still a relevant antianginous effect of the beta-blocker could be observed. The oxygen demand of the myocardium was reduced by reduction of systolic blood pressure and heart rate whereas diastolic blood pressure remained unchanged. The tolerance of the preparation was good.