Ivabradine effects on heart rate and quality of life among chronic heart failure patients.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of Ivabradine in lowering heart rate and quality of life in chronic heart failure patients.

METHODS

The observational study was conducted in the out-patient department of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Karachi, from December 2016 to June 2017, and comprised chronic heart failure patients aged 30-70 years who were on 5mg Ivabradine for 8-weeks. Heart rate was evaluated through electrocardiogram, and health-related quality of life was measured using the validated questionnaire. Baseline demographics and clinical characteristics were recorded, with follow-ups at week-4 and week-8. Safety and tolerability were assessed by adverse drug reactions monitoring. Data was analysed using SPSS 21.

RESULTS

Of the 50 patients, 34(68%) were males. The overall mean age was 54.8±9.17 years. Baseline mean heart rate significantly reduced at first and second follow-up visit (p< 0.001). Mobility problems declined significantly as well (p<0.05). Health-related quality of life significantly improved on follow-up visits (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

There was significant control of heart rate in chronic heart failure patients with improvement in all parameters of quality of life.