 | Related Articles |
Heart rate: a prognostic factor and therapeutic target in chronic heart failure. The distinct roles of drugs with heart rate-lowering properties.
Eur J Heart Fail. 2014 Jan;16(1):76-85
Authors: Dobre D, Borer JS, Fox K, Swedberg K, Adams KF, Cleland JG, Cohen-Solal A, Gheorghiade M, Gueyffier F, O'Connor CM, Fiuzat M, Patak A, Piña IL, Rosano G, Sabbah HN, Tavazzi L, Zannad F
Abstract
Heart rate not only predicts outcome but may also be a therapeutic target in patients with chronic heart failure. Several classes of pharmacological agents can be used to modulate heart rate, including beta-blockers, ivabradine, digoxin, amiodarone, and verapamil. Choice of agent will depend on heart rhythm, co-morbidities, and disease phenotype. Beneficial and harmful interactions may also exist. The aim of this paper is to summarize the current body of knowledge regarding the relevance of heart rate as a prognostic factor (risk marker) and particularly as a therapeutic target (risk factor) in patients with chronic heart failure, with a special focus on ivabradine, a novel agent that is currently the only available purely bradycardic agent.
PMID: 23928650 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]