Myocardial bridge and beta blockers: effect on left ventricular strain parameters

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Myocardial bridging (MB) is a congenital anomaly where a segment of a coronary artery travels intramyocardially.
• The impact of medications on myocardial function in MB patients requires further investigation.
• Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV Gls) is a sensitive marker of myocardial function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of beta-blocker therapy on LV Gls in patients diagnosed with MB.
• To compare LV Gls between MB patients with and without beta-blocker treatment.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, single-center study included 100 patients with MB identified via coronary angiography.
• Patients were divided into two groups: 50 not using beta-blockers (Group I) and 50 using beta-blockers (Group II).
• Strain echocardiography was performed to measure LV Gls, and heart rate was analyzed.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant difference in mean heart rate was observed between Group I and Group II (p < 0.001).
• LV Gls was significantly improved in Group II (beta-blocker users) compared to Group I (-15.92 ± 2.9 vs. -12.57 ± 3, p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Beta-blocker medication demonstrates a beneficial effect on LV Gls in patients with MB.
• The negative chronotropic effect of beta-blockers contributes to improved myocardial strain in this population.