Antianginal effects of atenolol and pindolol in patients with stable effort angina pectoris

A double blind, randomised crossover study with 20 patients was performed to compare the antianginal effects of atenolol 100 mg once daily and pindolol 5 mg thrice daily. After a placebo run-in period, 2 treatments were given for 2 wk each. The number of anginal attacks and the nitroglycerin (NTG) consumption were determined. During bicycle exercise testing, the systolic blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), double product and exercise tolerance were measured. Both drugs reduced the number of anginal attacks and NTG consumption relative to the placebo, with atenolol being more effective than pindolol. During exercise, both beta-blockers produced a slight increase in BP and HR compared to the placebo. HR attained with atenolol was lower than pindolol at the same workload. The total duration of exercise and the maximal tolerated workload were greater in atenolol than pindolol experiment. The special properties of beta-blockers, such as cardioselectivity or intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (ISA), may have clinical importance in the treatment of angina pectoris.