The effect of levosimendan on functional capacity in patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation: a clinical cohort study

Introduction: We aimed to investigate the effect of levosimendan on functional capacity in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) and decompensated heart failure (HF). Methods: Patients with left ventricle ejection fraction under 35%, and having class 3 and 4 HF according to New York Heart Association were enrolled to this study. A total of 50 patients were enrolled. Twenty one participants had AF while 29 had sinus rhythm. Levosimendan was added to the traditional treatment. Functional capacity of each patient was evaluated before levosimendan administration and after 24 hour infusion. Results: Functional capacity improved significantly after treatment in both groups (p<0.001). Differences of functional capacity in patients with AF were more than in patients without AF (p = 0.020). Conclusion: Levosimendan can be effectively used in patients with HF and AF and it is more effective than in patients with sinus rhythm.