Pindolol therapy for bradycardia/tachycardia syndrome

Bradycardia/tachycardia syndrome (BTS) is notoriously refractory to drug therapy. Three patients with BTS unresponsive to digitalis or digitalis plus verapamil (ventricular response continued intermittently rapid despite prolonged pauses) were prescribed oral pindolol, a beta blocker with intrinsic sympathomimetic activity. The ventricular rate was well-controlled in all and no adverse effects were seen. Pindolol may be of value in selected patients with BTS.