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Heart rate: a prognostic factor and therapeutic target in chronic heart failure. The distinct roles of drugs with heart rate‐lowering properties
Author(s) -
Dobre Daniela,
Borer Jeffrey S.,
Fox Kim,
Swedberg Karl,
Adams Kirkwood F.,
Cleland John G.F.,
CohenSolal Alain,
Gheorghiade Mihai,
Gueyffier Francois,
O'Connor Christopher M.,
Fiuzat Mona,
Patak Athul,
Piña Ileana L.,
Rosano Giuseppe,
Sabbah Hani N.,
Tavazzi Luigi,
Zannad Faiez
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
european journal of heart failure
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.149
H-Index - 133
eISSN - 1879-0844
pISSN - 1388-9842
DOI - 10.1093/eurjhf/hft129
Subject(s) - medicine , heart failure , cardiology , heart rate , intensive care medicine , blood pressure
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.