Predictors of positive response to beta-blockers for treatment of premature ventricular complexes

Serdar Demir1, Kamil Gulsen1, Alper Kepez2

  • 1Kartal Koşuyolu Heart Training and Research Hospital, Cardiology Clinic, Istanbul, Turkey.

Insights

Beta-blocker therapy for premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) is more effective in patients with a positive correlation between heart rate and PVCs. PVC QRS width also predicts treatment success for these arrhythmias.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Electrophysiology

Background:

  • Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are common arrhythmias.
  • Beta-blockers are frequently used for PVC treatment.
  • Predictors of beta-blocker efficacy for PVCs require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify factors predicting the antiarrhythmic effect of beta-blockers on PVCs.
  • To evaluate the relationship between patient characteristics and response to beta-blocker therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 190 patients treated with beta-blockers for PVCs.
  • Comparison of Holter recordings before and after treatment initiation.
  • Logistic regression analysis to identify independent predictors of response.

Main Results:

  • 32.1% of patients showed at least a 50% reduction in PVC burden.
  • Responders had a significantly higher prevalence of fast heart rate-PVC status (73.8% vs. 48.1%).
  • Independent predictors of positive response included fast HR-PVC status (OR 2.935) and PVC QRS width (OR 0.971).

Conclusions:

  • Fast heart rate-PVC status is a positive predictor of beta-blocker success.
  • PVC QRS width is a negative predictor of beta-blocker success.
  • These findings may guide clinical treatment decisions for PVC management.
Abstract

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