Background: Increased resting heart rate is associated with cardiovascular outcomes in patients with heart failure and
reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Despite high volume prescribers of beta blockers patients does not achieve recommended
target heart rate. The primary objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of ivabradine as adjunct therapy with beta
blockers in south east Asian population systolic heart failure and left ventricular systolic dysfunction.
Methodology: This single center, open labelled, randomized study included 113 patients in sinus rhythm with HFrEF and
left ventricular systolic dysfunction from outpatient department. Ivabradine was initiated in 45% patients with SR. Patients
with LVEF < 35% by Teichholz method, NHYA class II-III, sinus rhythm and resting HR > 70 bpm, already on bisoprolol 5
mg were divided into 2 groups; Group 1 (n= 56) patients were uptitrated to bisoprolol 10 mg and Group 2 (n= 57) patients
received ivabradine 5 mg b.i.d in addition to bisoprolol 5 mg. Blood samples for NTproBNP level, an ECG, echocardiogram,
NYHA functional class, systolic and diastolic BP were taken at baseline and at the end of 6 months follow-up in both groups
Results: After 6 months HR decreased significantly from 94.82±7.03 to 68.75±5.35 bpm (p < 0.0001), with more patients
in NHYA functional Class I than Class II and III and decrease in BNP level from 969.8.3±348.9 to 348.6±230.2 pg/ml (p <
0.0001) in group 2 patients. A significant increase in LVEF was observed with the addition of ivabradine from 31.40±5.37 to
41.68±5.33 % (p < 0.0001). However, mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure was not affected by the addition of ivabradine.
Conclusion: This study concludes that patients with HFrEF demonstrated good tolerability, efficacy and NYHA functional
class with the combination of ivabradine and bisoprolol therapy.