Effect of Ivabradine on recurrent hospitalization in patients with chronic systolic heart failure

Objectives: To detect the effect of treatment with Ivabradine on recurrent hospitalizations at Benha university hospital due to worsening heart failure. Background: Heart rate is an important and easily accessible physiologic variable with prognostic and clinical importance. In chronic heart failure, changes in heart rate are even more important as myocardial performance is compromised. Control of heart rate with a ?-blocker is important, further control of heart rate beyond and above that achieved with a ?-blocker provides added value. The potential of Ivabradine, a pure heart rate lowering drug, in this context is therefore interesting and welcome. Methods: This study involved 100 patients admitted during the preceding year, with decompensated congestive heart failure at the cardiology department at “Benha University hospital”, who were randomized to either the specific heart rate–reducing agent Ivabradine, an If current inhibitor, or to placebo, on top of the best possible recommended heart failure therapy. Results: Ivabradine was associated with significant reduction in the resting heart rate, left ventricular volumes (p<0.001), with significant increase in LVEF (p<0.001), and fewer total hospitalizations for worsening HF (p<0.01) during the 6 months follow up period. Conclusion: heart rate reduction with Ivabradine in patients with CHF is associated with a better NYHA functional class with regression of left ventricular dimensions and volumes and significant reduction in the risk of repeated hospitalizations (and, thus, of total burden of hospitalizations) for worsening HF.