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Published on: September 26, 2018

Heart rate and cardiovascular disease: an alternative to Beta blockers

Michael Liang1, Aniket Puri, Gerard Devlin

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Waikato Hospital, Pembroke & Selwyn Sts, Private Bag 3200, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand.

Cardiology Research and Practice
|November 26, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Ivabradine effectively lowers heart rate by targeting the sinoatrial node. This heart rate reduction is beneficial for patients with stable angina or heart failure, especially those intolerant to beta-blockers.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Heart rate reduction is crucial for managing chronic stable angina and heart failure.
  • Beta-blocker intolerance is common in patients with coronary artery disease and coexisting respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD.
  • Sinoatrial node modulation offers a therapeutic alternative for heart rate control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the role of Ivabradine as an I(f) inhibitor in heart rate management.
  • To explore Ivabradine's utility in patients unable to tolerate beta-blockers.

Main Methods:

  • Pharmacological action of Ivabradine on the sinoatrial node.
  • Assessment of Ivabradine's effects on heart rate, myocardial contractility, blood pressure, and intracardiac conduction.

Main Results:

  • Ivabradine selectively inhibits the I(f) current in the sinoatrial node, reducing heart rate.
  • Minimal impact observed on myocardial contractility, blood pressure, and intracardiac conduction.
  • Demonstrates potential as a heart rate-lowering agent.

Conclusions:

  • Ivabradine is a valuable therapeutic option for heart rate reduction.
  • Particularly useful in patients with chronic stable angina and heart failure who cannot tolerate beta-blockers due to respiratory issues.

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