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Perspectives of If Inhibition by Ivabradine in Cardiology

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Abstract

High heart rates predict cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the healthy population, in hypertensive patients, and in those with coronary heart disease (CHD) or heart failure. If channel inhibition with ivabradine is an effective approach to reduce heart rate pharmacologically, with the prospect of preventing complications. The antianginal effects of heart rate-lowering with ivabradine have been shown to be similar to those with β-adrenoceptor antagonists (β-blockers) in patients with CHD. The BEAUTIfUL and SHIfT trials will provide evidence on whether If channel inhibition with ivabradine is able to reduce mortality and morbidity in patients with CHD with impaired left ventricular function and heart failure.

Future perspectives for additional study are potential roles of ivabradine in the treatment of hypertension and atherosclerosis, and their complications. Further clinical and mechanistic studies to clarify the pathophysiological background are needed to fully define the role of heart rate reduction in the broad spectrum of cardiovascular interventions.

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Acknowledgements

Dr M.B. Böhm is an established investigator at the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation) [Klinishe Forshungsgruppe (clinical research group) KFO 186]. He serves as consultant for Servier and receives fees as a speaker. He is a member of the Executive Board of the SHIfT trial. Editorial support for the preparation of the manuscript was provided by Wolters Kluwer Health Medical Communications. The authors have no conflicts of interest directly relevant to the contents of this article.

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  1. Klinik für Innere Medizin III, Kardiologie, Angiologie und Internistische Intensivmedizin, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Kirrberger Strasse, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany

    Michael Böhm & Jan-Christian Reil

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Correspondence to Michael Böhm.

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Böhm, M., Reil, JC. Perspectives of If Inhibition by Ivabradine in Cardiology. Drugs 67 (Suppl 2), 43–49 (2007). https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-200767002-00006

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