Possibilities of Combination of Beta-blockers and Ivabradine in Patients with Stable Angina Pectoris

Aim. To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of a combination of ivabradine and beta-blockers (BAB) in patients with stable angina, initially taking only BAB and not reaching the target heart rate (HR) due to the risk of hypotension. Material and methods. A prospective observational post-registration study was performed at the Research Institute for Complex Issues of Cardiovascular Diseases. The study included 50 patients with stable angina pectoris (diagnosed by coronary angiography in combination with clinical manifestations of angina of functional class II-III according to the Canadian classification) and an initial sinus rhythm with a heart rate of more than 70 beats per minute. These patients have already taken BAB. Heart rate, the number of angina attacks, nitrate intake and quality of life indicators according to the questionnaire were evaluated as criteria for therapeutic efficacy. Results. Taking the study drug in combination with BAB led to a significant decrease the average heart rate at rest by 20%, as well as after a six-minute walk test (TLC) in most patients (p<0.050), and a decrease in the total number of angina attacks per week from 5 to less than 1 (p<0.050) and the frequency of nitrate intake for the relief of angina attacks from 58% to 20% (p=0.001). Therapy with ivabradine (Bravadin) was well tolerated by patients: there were no adverse events in the observed sample of patients, patients had a high adherence to treatment (100% of the contents of handed out blisters were used). During the 3 months of follow-up, according to the EQ-SD-SL quality of life questionnaire, patients improved their perception of their own health level (p<0.050), the number of patients experiencing mild (p=0.034) and strong (p=0.041) mobility limitations decreased; strong (p=0.024) restriction in self-care, mild (p=0.041) and strong (p=0.024) restriction of daily activities, mild manifestation of pain (p=0.009) and mild anxiety (p=0.027) also were reduced compared with the initial questionnaires. Conclusion. Ivabradine (Bravadin) in addition to BAB is an effective and safe antianginal therapy for the prevention of angina attacks by reducing the initially high heart rate in patients with angina pectoris of functional class II-III.