Abstract

Ivabradine for the treatment of heart failure

Author(s): Lynn Elzir, Eileen OMeara, Simon de Denus & Jean-Claude Tardif

Several studies have underlined the beneficial effect of a lower heart rate on mortality in patients with chronic heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. In this context, the following review article will evaluate the benefit of a combination of the currently recommended pharmacological therapy in chronic heart failure (including β-blockers at optimal doses) with the selective heart rate reducing agent ivabradine. A summary of the basic pharmacology of ivabradine will precede the discussion of its efficacy and safety in clinical trials, as well as clinical implications.