An overview of ivabradine

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the therapeutic effects of ivabradine in the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD), and in the management of stable angina pectoris (SAP) and congestive cardiac failure (CCF). Patients with SAP have a reduced quality of life and are unable to work efficiently, resulting in the increased use of healthcare resources. Unlike the other antianginal drugs (i.e. the beta-blockers, calcium-channel blockers and organic nitrates), ivabradine specifically targets the I_f current of the sinus node. It reduces the frequency of angina attacks and increases the time until symptoms during work appear. Clinical evidence has shown that ivabradine is an effective anti-ischaemic and antianginal agent, comparable to the beta-blockers and calcium-channel antagonist in controlling the symptoms of myocardial ischemia.

Keywords: ivabradine, I_f current, sinus node, congestive cardiac failure, angina pectoris, antianginal agent