Long-term effects of pindolol on serum lipoproteins in hypertensive patients

Serum lipoproteins were analysed in 11 hypertensive patients before and after 2 and 16 months on pindolol therapy. In all patients significant blood pressure reductions were achieved with a mean pindolol dose of 13 mg (range 5-30) per day at 16 months' follow-up. After 2 months a significant increase by 35% was found in VLDL TG and cholesterol concentrations, but after 16 months all lipoprotein values had reverted to pretreatment levels. HDL did not change during pindolol therapy. It is not established whether the lack of long-term effects of pindolol on serum lipoprotein is specifically due to its high degree of intrinsic sympatomimetic activity.